Former unified middleweight and light heavyweight champion Bernard Hopkins believes the answer is not that clear when it comes to selecting which boxer is the number one guy in the heavyweight division.

There are two choices for most - WBC champion Tyson Fury and IBF, WBO, IBO, WBA champion Anthony Joshua.

"I think it’s a toss up, despite the upset loss, of Joshua [and Fury]. I think Fury is the guy in the heavyweight division in terms of his personality. Think he’s the guy in promoting. I think his personality is like the Hulk Hogan in boxing," Hopkins told IFL TV. 

"But I believe them two must fight this year of early next year, when I believe things can be open. [Maybe not] maxed out stadiums but at least people in the building. I think the winner [of that fight is the best], when that fights happens sooner."

The two champions are looking to finalize a two-fight agreement to collide in the ring in 2021. There are several mandatory obstacles that each boxer has to overcome to reach that fight.

Hopkins hopes there are fireworks from the very first bell when Fury and Joshua finally collide in the ring.

"I hope it happens right out of the gate when both those guys step in that ring. If they don’t they’ve got to fight the second time they step in the ring with each other," Hopkins said.

"That there would be, to me, would be the blessing of the undisputed throne of the heavyweight division. Joshua and Fury must fight to secure that undisputed heavyweight king of boxing. The heavyweight has always been the head of the body of the boxing world.

"[The heavyweight division] went into a recession, now that we have personalities and guys that can fight, and we have a personality in the heavyweight division. The last time I saw a personality in the heavyweight of this magnitude, and I was a baby, was Muhammad Ali."