ANTHONY JOSHUA has been warned he faces a “long wait” to fight Tyson Fury after rejecting “two opportunities” previously.

The British heavyweight rivals famously had a deal in place to fight in Saudi Arabia in August 2021.

Anthony Joshua ahead of his return fight in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty

Tyson Fury has been ruled out of fighting Anthony Joshua next yearCredit: Getty

But Fury was contracted to a trilogy bout with Deontay Wilder, which he won by 11th-round knockout the following October.

A month beforehand, Joshua would lose his titles to Oleksandr Usyk and was beaten again in the rematch a year later.

Now two years on, Fury is set to face Usyk on February 17 in Saudi in what will be the division’s first four-belt unification.

And it is now Joshua, 34, lined up to fight Wilder, 38, after they both return on Saturday in separate bouts in Riyadh.

Promoter Frank Warren is working alongside Eddie Hearn on the show but he ruled out a Battle of Britain with AJ and Fury for now.

Warren said: “He’d have a long wait for Tyson.

“Tyson’s got his fight and his programme’s set out for next year and at this moment in time doesn’t include Joshua.

“Joshua, he had two opportunities to fight him [Fury], one last December and this year.

“Those fights didn’t happen for whatever reason and the situation is now that we are in a position where a number of big fights will be announced. It all depends what happens on Saturday.”

Fury, 35, could twice face Usyk, 36, as part of a two-bout deal made ahead of their historic undisputed title decider.

Meanwhile Joshua – who returns against Otto Wallin – could finally fight Wilder – up against Joseph Parker next – should they both win.

Warren said: “Should they come through then they’re going to be in a position where I believe they’re going to be facing off next year.

“That’s a massive, massive fight. A fight that a lot of people, certainly the fans talk about a lot.

“But to get there they’ve got to get through next Saturday night in Riyadh.

“Get it out of the way on Saturday and all will be revealed but there’s a will to make this happen and I’m quite sure everybody’s going to be happy with the outcome provided these guys deliver.

“The most important thing for them, they’ve got to deliver.”

Joshua and Deontay Wilder are lined up to fight next yearCredit: REUTERS