Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua have tried and failed to make an all-British heavyweight bout in the past.
At one time arguably the biggest fight in the world of boxing, discussions have been stunted by ultimatums, court orders and everything in between.
Its likelihood took another blow last month when Joshua, in an attempt to become a three-time heavyweight world champion, was knocked out by Daniel Dubois.
Fury – who earlier this year lost to Oleksandr Usyk in a bid to become undisputed – has flip-flopped on the fight in the past but had little doubt when asked in a recent interview to promote the Undisputed video game.
“Joshua knows he’s getting it. Even if we’re 50 years old he’s got to fight me. There’s no escaping it, he cannot escape me. Even if we are 50, we’re still going to sell out Wembley.”
It’s undeniable that the match-up has lost plenty of steam since the days of both being undefeated, but the vulnerabilities each man has shown perhaps makes for a more intriguing contest.
First up for Fury is the rematch with Usyk, taking place on December 21 in Riyadh, in an attempt to win three of the four major heavyweight belts.
‘AJ’ has a decision to make in the meantime – wait it out to see how that transpires or push for an immediate rematch with Dubois, something he is apparently keen on.
With both men coming to the end of storied careers, the Fury-Joshua fight not happening before they hang up the gloves would be a shame for the sport even despite its shine being dulled.