Tyson Fury fights Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed titleCredit: Getty

Anthony Joshua returns against Francis NgannouCredit: Getty

Just three weeks earlier, Fury, 35, and Oleksandr Usyk, 36, contest for all four world titles, a first in heavyweight history.

AJ was due to fight Deontay Wilder, 38, but the American suffered a shock defeat to Joseph Parker, 31

So in stepped Ngannou, 37, who dropped Fury on his boxing debut in October only to lose a controversial decision.

Promoter Hearn said on The MMA Hour: “Criticism is out there all the time but he (Joshua) is in a great place, he is really confident.

“I said before the Wallin fight that he is going to beat [Otto] Wallin, beat Wilder and beat Fury.

“The only thing that’s going to change is Ngannou replaces Wilder. I honestly believe he can beat all of those guys.”

Joshua, 34, has won three on the spin since suffering consecutive losses to Usyk on points – but new coach Ben Davison wants a trilogy bout.

And while Hearn believes Fury could beat Usyk, he insisted nothing stands in AJ’s way of becoming undisputed king.

He said: “Even now with Ben Davison, they like the Usyk fight now. Ben really believes that AJ can beat Usyk.

“I truly believe AJ will become undisputed heavyweight champion. Only with that last performance do people start thinking.

“I love Usyk but part of me wants Tyson to win that fight so we can potentially move.”

Joshua with promoter Eddie HearnCredit: Getty