Tyson Fury's next assignment may end up being a foregone conclusion.
The best heavyweight in the world has remained tight-lipped over his next move following his concussive KO of Deontay Wilder.
But should Dillian Whyte navigate a way past Otto Wallin later this month, the Londoner will be mandated to face Fury, likely in the spring.
Wallin, of course, is no stranger to Fury having pushed the Brit all the way to the final bell when they met in 2019.
Fury blames the cut he suffered early in the fight and which later required 47 stitches but Wallin's stock certainly grew that night.
The Swede has since beaten Dominic Breazeale and Travis Kauffman and will fancy his chances of upsetting Whyte.
Were he to do so, the appeal of a rematch with Fury is questionable.
Perhaps the WBC would intervene to allow Fury an optional defence of his title, although in truth there are few leading candidates.
And as the man himself says, it's now the Tyson Fury show; the man in the opposite corner often fades into irrelevance.
If Whyte prevails, however, he will surely grab his opportunity with both hands having waited well over 1,000 days for his shot at the belt.
And although Fury would rightly start as an overwhelming favourite, the build-up alone would drive interest and box-office sales.
It may not be the all-British affair we thought we would be looking forward to right now - but it's not a dreadful second choice.
Deontay Wilder's situation is more complex given he has fought in 13 consecutive world title fights.
There will surely be no prizes on offer in his next outing - if indeed he has the drive to carry on after back-to-back brutal defeats.
Should Deontay Wilder retire from boxing? Let us know in the comments section
He should have more than enough money in the bank to see himself and his family secure for life.
And he may lack the hunger to take a step back in the level of his opponent.
But should Joshua lose to Usyk for a second time next year, the respective promoters should move heaven and earth to match him with the American.
It was a fight that couldn't be made when they held all four belts between them but surely it is a much easier clash to put together now.
Neither man would be risking an unbeaten record and fans would still flock to watch it either live or on TV given the unpredictable nature of the contest.
And whichever fighter has his hand raised would surely catapult themselves back into contention for a world title shot - especially if the belts splinter towards the end of next year.
Fury's rivalry with Wilder may be over - but we could yet be in a golden era of heavyweight feuds.
