Anthony Joshua has hinted that he is still interested in a long-overdue showdown with British rival Tyson Fury, in an exclusive chat with Mail Sport.

Reports emerged this past week that Fury could be tempted out of retirement for a 'generational' Battle of Britain and a bout with 'AJ' has always piqued the interest of fans.

Fury hung up his gloves for a fourth time in January after suffering a second consecutive defeat at the hands of Oleksandr Usyk, but speculation has mounted that he could make a dramatic comeback after returning to full training.

Fury's promoter Frank Warren admitted the potential fight would 'tempt all of us' while reminding fans that 'you never know what can happen in boxing'.

And Mail Sport were able to get Joshua's thoughts as he arrived to watch Canelo Alvarez's victory over William Scull in Riyadh in the early hours of Sunday morning.

'We'll save that conversation for another time,' Joshua joked in response to being asked if he wants the fight.

'I think what we'll do for the viewers at home is go back over the years and find the same answer for the same question. Same same, nothing changed.'

Joshua will need to return to full fitness before any concrete talks over a Fury bout can take place.     

He hasn't fought since he was sensationally knocked out by Daniel Dubois in five rounds in front of 96,000 fans at Wembley Stadium on September 21 after being dropped multiple times.

Joshua has been dealing injury and told DAZN on Sunday night that he requires surgery.

'When do you want me back people? I'm trying to get my body right. I've got to have surgery on my elbow. A small surgery sometime in May,' Joshua said.

'That will see me out the gym for maybe 6-8 weeks. As soon as I'm healed I'll be back.' 

Joshua expanded on his recovery in his interview with Mail Sport, saying: I've gotta do my rehab, really. 

'My body has been through the works innit. If I want to be here for the long time I just want to make sure my body is really really good before I get back into the ring.

'Sooner than later. I'm still training but I'm just kind of rebuilding. 

'What it is basically… to be good is not enough in boxing, if you want to be a world champion you've got to be great. 

'Throughout the last year or so, especially my last fight I was good but not great. 

'To be a champion you gotta be 'on your s*** basically and I need to step my game up.'