Former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has stated that the much-anticipated heavyweight bout against Tyson Fury must happen this year.

A potential bout between the two British heavyweight boxers is one of the most talked about fights among boxing fans over the years, but the two fighters are yet to take to the boxing ring to face each other.

Talks between the camps of the two boxers have often suffered one setback or another.

After defeats for both boxers in their last bouts, AJ believes now is the time to face the Gypsy King.

“It’s a fight I want to see because I am a fan of boxing. When I am in the gym, everyone is asking me [about this fight]. I ain’t got many years ahead of me. I want to leave the game with a bang and make an impact,” Joshua said.

“Everyone is asking me the same question. It’s up to me to deliver, that’s why I’m saying it has to happen this year.

“I think we can make this fight happen.”

Joshua and Fury have both suffered back-to-back defeats to pound-for-pound boxer Oleksandr Usyk.

A victory in the potential bout would be an opportunity for the winner to get their career back on track.