Anthony Joshua says that he wants to be back in the ring sooner rather than later.

The heavyweight got back to winning ways on Saturday night, exclusively live on DAZN.

Joshua was taking on America’s Jermaine Franklin over 12 rounds at the O2 Arena in London and was extended the distance by the man who was last in the ring against Dillian Whyte.

The three scoring judges at ringside handed ‘AJ’, who was fighting under the tutelage of new head coach Derrick James for the first time, the victory by turning in tallies of 118-111 and 117-111 twice.

And Joshua, who advanced to 25-3 with 22 quick, was asked very quickly about his next move.

He is aiming to be out three times this year, with the second of those coming in what he described as “summer”.

Fans have clamored for an all-British showdown between Joshua and WBC champion Tyson Fury, who was recently unable to secure an undisputed title clash against the current Ring Magazine, IBF, WBA Super, WBO and IBO champion Oleksandr Usyk, while Dillian Whyte in a rematch is another potential option for the 33-year-old.

“You know me, I try and provide for the fans,” he said when speaking to DAZN’s Ade Oladipo in the ring. “I know who the fans want. The ball’s in [Fury’s] court. I would 100 percent be honored to compete for the WBC heavyweight championship of the world. I stand here and I say that proudly. That would be an honor.

“So, wherever you are,” Joshua said directly to ‘The Gypsy King’ on the mic, “if you’re listening, you know my management, you know my promoter.

“We’ve had [dialogue] before so let’s continue and hopefully we can get this on sooner [rather] than later. We’re not getting any younger.”

It remains to be seen whether the fight that has previously been agreed can be once again rubber-stamped, but all roads lead to the biggest commercial asset in the sport in the UK having a big fight next, whoever it may be against.