The former heavyweight world champion is keen to take on his British rival in his next bout and believes that now is the time for the much-talked-about clash to come to fruition.

Joshua said at the Ring Magazine awards: "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.

"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's promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed that he has reserved Wembley Stadium for a bout between Joshua and Fury, although he claims that the fight is dependent on The Gypsy King's next move.

He told Sky Sports: "We're looking to get back in the ring in May or June. If it ended up being July, it doesn't really matter.

"I still think it rests on Tyson Fury. Until the water settles on the defeat and where he's at mentally and what he wants to do, that's where we're really going to find out.

"Because when he looks at the options, what else is he going to do and who else is he going to fight?"

Hearn believes that it is imperative that Joshua has a fight with Fury on his CV before he ends his career.

The promoter said: "The world heavyweight title is what he [Joshua] wants. But, of course, Fury is a fight that must land on the resume of Anthony Joshua.

"And obviously it must be delivered for the British public as well.

"I think the real key in this is Tyson Fury. He's just three weeks off a defeat, probably still upset and reflecting upon that defeat. We'll have to see if he wants to fight again."