Eddie Hearn has opened up on Anthony Joshua's future plans after his devastating defeat by Daniel Dubois, giving fresh hope to a blockbuster showdown against Tyson Fury.

Joshua faced Dubois in an IBF world heavyweight title fight at Wembley on Saturday, but struggled from the off, before the 34-year-old was knocked out in the fifth round.

It has led to uncertainty about Joshua's career going forwards after he missed out on the chance to become a three-time heavyweight world champion.

Throughout the Brit's career, there has also been lots of clamour for a clash with Tyson Fury, with both heavyweights calling each other out at various times, yet they have ultimately been unable to agree terms for a fight.  

Yet, speaking in the aftermath of his clash with Dubois, Joshua's promoter, Hearn, claimed fans could finally be about to see the much-anticipated encounter, although he insisted there are lots of potential options on the table.

'(In an ideal world) we feel we should be beating Daniel Dubois and we can beat Daniel Dubois,' Hearn told TNT Sports. 

'But are you ready to go straight back in (like with Andy Ruiz and Oleksandr Usyk)? We have that option under that contract and I know his excellency wants that, probably February time, but is that too early?

'Do we wait for Tyson Fury (against Oleksandr Usyk)? I think if Tyson Fury loses they (Joshua and Fury) should have two fights and sail off into the sunset. 

'If Tyson Fury wins, he defends against AJ for the unified world championship.'

Hearn was also magnanimous when discussing Joshua's defeat, insisting that although the 34-year-old was far from his best, Dubois deserved credit for his display.

'I keep seeing people saying Dubois was disrespected as champion. AJ made that happen, Dubois was outstanding and we keep talking about how poor AJ was.

'Let's give a minute to say how good Daniel Dubois was. He did everything they planned to do and AJ did nothing they planned to do.'

Meanwhile, despite the hints at a showdown with Fury, Hearn admitted that there are still plenty of hurdles to overcome for it to happen.

Hearn continued: 'In AJ's mind, he'll want to go straight back in with Dubois but this is a very important decision and we are three days after the fight. 

'So I say to everybody, let's just give us a little bit of time. And then make a decision for what will be the closing chapter of your (AJ's) career. 

'Hopefully the final chapter can be the best yet.'