In the aftermath of such a chaotic night, it is easy to focus only on the flaws and forget the bigger picture. Anthony Joshua was returning from one of the darkest periods of his life and carrying an immense emotional burden into the ring. After his hand was raised, he struggled to get through his interview, his voice cracking as he spoke about his two friends and the impact their loss has had on him.

Eddie Hearn said: "Boxing once saved him and he needed boxing to get through this. That camp allowed him to focus his mind while he was in so much grief and pain. You don't know what he was going through in that camp because he doesn't talk about it."

Whatever happens next, his place in British boxing history is secure. He is an Olympic gold medallist, a two-time heavyweight champion and one of the biggest sporting stars this country has produced. But after Saturday night in Saudi Arabia, even reclaiming a world title would be a tough ask. Joshua and his stablemate Oleksandr Usyk spoke about becoming undisputed champion.

The danger with ageing fighters is chasing one more night. But Fury-Joshua is not one more fight. It is the fight that has loomed over their careers for the best part of a decade.