Joshua had not stepped into the ring for over seven months before returning to beat Jermaine Franklin via a unanimous decision at London's O2 Arena on April 1.
The two-time world heavyweight champion stated that he wanted to fight again in the next three months in order to "get the ball rolling."
Yet Joshua on Sunday stated that his next challenge will not be until the end of this year.
He wrote in an Instagram story: "My next fight is scheduled for December. Not ideal but everything is part of a bigger picture."
There has been talk of Joshua doing battle with either Dillian Whyte or Tyson Fury after he got the better of American Franklin.
The Brit lost his world titles to Oleksandr Usyk at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in September 2021 and lost his rematch with the Ukrainian In Jeddah last August.
Joshua knocked out Kubrat Pulev at Wembley Arena on Saturday to retain his IBF, WBA and WBO belts and clear another potential hurdle standing between himself and a lucrative showdown with Fury.
Hearn confirmed in the aftermath of the fight that talks over a 'Battle of Britain' clash in 2021 will ramp up on Monday and has now revealed he expects a contract to be signed imminently.
Asked how long it will realistically take to complete a deal between both camps, Hearn was quoted by BBC Sport as saying: "A couple of days. There is no reason we cannot complete the deal and then move on and solve the other problems.
"We need to write to the governing bodies and say yes we have a deal and we will now talk to the various sites and confirm the dates shortly for what I suppose will be the end of May."
Fury reclaimed the WBC heavyweight belt by ending Deontay Wilder's unbeaten streak in February with a sensational seventh-road stoppage in their much-anticipated rematch in Las Vegas.
However, he has not been in action since as plans for a trilogy between the pair in July were put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic, while a possible return to the ring in December against another opponent was ruled out last month.
Joshua may be told by the WBO that he has to face mandatory challenger Oleksandr Usyk, meanwhile, but Matchroom promoter Hearn remains confident of getting the bout on in 2021.
"The only hitch I can think of is Wilder. If the court order the Fury rematch, and it doesn't sound as though they will, then it is out of our hands," he said. "That is the only way it falls through is if something stops their side.
"That isn't me saying they don't want it, they do, but if the court orders it then we will have to fight Usyk.
"The WBO probably on Monday will email to say you have 30 days to start negotiations with Usyk. [Bob] Arum seems very confident that the fight (Wilder-Fury) is not on. Unless he has made complete balls up, it sounds like the fight is dead."
There is no doubting Fury's eagerness for the fight, with the 32-year-old having posted a video to his official Twitter account on Saturday promising a quick win in a meeting with Joshua.
"He got asked if he wants the fight and he went around the bushes," Fury said in the video.
"I want the fight. I want the fight next – I will knock him out inside three rounds. He's a big bum dosser, I can't wait to knock him out."
WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight champion Joshua and WBC champion Fury are due to do battle in a blockbuster bout this year.
A date and venue have not been disclosed for the all-British showdown, but Joshua visited his promoter Hearn on Wednesday to discuss terms.
The United States, Saudi Arabia and Qatar are among the countries where the first of two fights between the English duo could be staged.
Hearn is optimistic that all will be revealed in the near future.
The Matchroom Boxing boss told Sky Sports: "I hate saying two weeks, but two weeks [for the details to be confirmed].
"We're on the verge now of getting this fight done. We want to make sure the ink is dry, and then we'll go out and finalise the site details.
"I'm going to keep quiet for now, which probably won't last for too long, but in the meantime [I'm] working hard to finalise what is the absolute biggest fight in boxing."
He added: "Contracts have been backwards and forwards. Only minor details to be resolved on both ends. We're in a good place.
"AJ was in the office yesterday with us. We had a good meeting to finalise our side of stuff."
Unified world heavyweight champion Joshua could face IBF mandatory challenger Pulev in May or June after regaining his titles from Andy Ruiz Jr last December.
Hearn, the 30-year-old Briton's promoter, revealed Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Twickenham and Arsenal's Emirates Stadium are among the potential venues for Joshua to do battle with Bulgarian veteran Pulev.
The Matchroom Boxing boss told Sky Sports: "It's close [a deal] and if it was proving difficult to make, we would go into purse bids now at this stage, or they would order it.
"We spoke to the camps and they basically said we need another two weeks and we'll have it finalised.
"Almost certainly that will be AJ's next fight and almost certainly in the UK.
"The main issue we have is Pulev wants to make as much money for that fight as he can.
"There isn't as much money for that fight in the UK as there is elsewhere, but AJ has given me the instruction that I boxed in New York, I boxed in Saudi, I would like to do this one in the UK.
"Spurs, Emirates, Cardiff, Twickenham, everywhere is in play, but most likely end of May, early June. Joshua-Pulev in the UK."
Hearn added that it is not totally out of the question that Joshua will step into the ring with Oleksandr Usyk in his first fight of 2020, but Derek Chisora.is more likely to be the Ukrainian's next opponent.
"Possible, but we've pretty much agreed terms now with Chisora and Usyk for that fight," Hearn stated.
"It's just a case of finalising it, March 28, early April, but I'm very confident you'll see that fight as well."
The bout in Saudi Arabia, which will take place on August 20, comes 11 months after Ukrainian Usyk defeated Joshua at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in north London to secure the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles.
Joshua possessed a rematch clause in his contract but there were initially some question marks as to whether he would activate his option or step aside to allow Usyk to face off against Tyson Fury in a heavyweight unification bout.
Further delays then occurred following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with Usyk returning to Kyiv to help defend his nation's capital.
Dubbed the 'Rage on the Red Sea', Joshua's bout with Usyk in Jeddah comes almost three years since he reclaimed his heavyweight belts with victory against Andy Ruiz Jr, who had inflicted a first career defeat upon the Briton.
Joshua's record now stands at 24-2 with 22 knockouts, while Usyk took his record to 19-0 with 13 knockouts with victory against the Brit.
The bout will be Joshua's 12th-consecutive heavyweight title fight and he lay down the gauntlet ahead of the August clash.
"What a roller coaster journey, fighting for the heavyweight championship of the world for the 12th consecutive time," he said.
"I won the belt, unified the division won another belt, lost the belts, became two-time unified heavyweight champion and now have my date with history set to become three-time Unified heavyweight champion of the world. What an opportunity.
"Fighting championship level back to back has had its pros and cons, but I decide every day to get stronger, to learn from my experiences and grow. A happy fighter is a dangerous fighter and I am the happiest and most motivated I have been."
Usyk's camp referenced the ongoing struggles in Ukraine following the announcement, with promoter Alexander Krassyuk saying: "The rematch is on the way. The fight will be much bigger and more spectacular than the first. It is new history in the making.
"Being a part of this event is a huge honour. Our country is now fighting for its heritage. Our mission is to expand its legacy. With the help of the Lord we will achieve this."
Joshua last month regained his IBF, WBA and WBO belts with a landslide points win against Andy Ruiz Jr, who scored a stunning stoppage triumph over the previously unbeaten Briton back in June.
It means there is once again a clamour for Joshua to take on the winner of a rematch between his compatriot Tyson Fury and WBC king Deontay Wilder next month but, as a unified champion ,the London 2012 gold medallist has mandatory obligations to address.
Pulev, who was scheduled to face Joshua in Cardiff in October 2017 before withdrawing through injury, is the IBF's mandatory challenger, while former undisputed cruiserweight champion Oleksandr Usyk occupies the same status with the WBO.
At this stage, Pulev appears to be the frontrunner and an IBF spokesperson told Sky Sports: "I have just been told that the Pulev and Joshua camps have asked [for] until January 31 to negotiate."
In the meantime, Usyk looks set to take the opportunity to further acclimatise to the heavyweight division, with a London showdown against experienced former world-title challenger Dereck Chisora pencilled for late March.
Like Joshua, Usyk is represented by promoter Eddie Hearn and his Matchroom operation.
"Conversations are ongoing with all parties to plan what's next and it will really come to a head over the next few weeks," Hearn told Sky Sports.
"We are still awaiting clarification from the governing bodies to confirm who is chronologically next [for Joshua out of Pulev and Usyk] but right now everything is in play.
"In terms of Usyk versus Chisora that is still a potential outcome, but March 7 is unlikely. Instead we have March 28 on hold at the O2 Arena."
The two-time unified heavyweight champion lost his belts in a one-sided defeat to Usyk (19-0) at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last September and neither of the duo has been in the ring since.
That loss ended any immediate hope of an all-British heavyweight unification bout between Joshua (24-2) and Tyson Fury, with the former also receiving a wealth of criticism for the manner of the loss.
Changes were therefore needed for the rematch, which will take place in Saudi Arabia on August 20, and Joshua parted ways with long-term coach Rob McCormack – now partnering with Robert Garcia.
However, Joshua suggests he has been treated unfairly since that defeat and believes a win against Usyk will secure him legendary status within boxing.
"I feel when I go and beat Usyk, I'll get the credit I deserve again. And I'll get the admiration for being a true boxing legend," he told ESPN.
"I fought for the heavyweight championship in my 16th fight; I felt like it's kind of overlooked. This is my 12th title fight in a row.
"I just feel like sometimes even though we're selling out arenas and it's good to be popular, I don't really care for that stuff. I'd just want the respect in the division."
Joshua identified that changes were necessary following the loss to Usyk, the second of his professional career after a defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr in 2019 – who he then beat in a rematch to reclaim his belts.
That means Joshua has defeated every opponent he has faced for a heavyweight title in his career, with the exception of Usyk, and is confident he can correct the record in Jeddah.
"It makes me feel more comfortable knowing that I've been in a ring with a fighter before, but ultimately he might come completely different," he added.
"I definitely feel my training approach changes because I knew where I wasn't good enough, you know, areas where I was exposed.
"And look, I've got a third chance to become heavyweight champion of the world. I'm not just gonna go in there thinking it's gonna be easy. I will address the weaknesses and then I'll make sure I get it right and become champion again. I think it's a task that's definitely possible.
"Now, it's all about, 'oh, he's not good enough anyway,' so that's the motivation to prove I'm good enough. Cause when you are doing it and you're on top, it's hard to get the credit."
The all-British showdown between WBC champion Fury and mandatory challenger Whyte was finally confirmed for Wembley Stadium on April 23 after weeks of negotiations.
Joshua was expected to fight for the unified heavyweight titles against Oleksandr Usyk shortly after, but there are doubts over the bout with the Ukrainian reportedly returning home following the invasion by Russia.
The winner of the clash between Joshua and Usyk, whenever that is scheduled for, will likely be the next opponent for the victor of Fury's second world title defence.
But Joshua has made it clear who he wants to see come out on top as Whyte looks to an end Fury's unbeaten record.
"It's a good opponent [for Fury], it's a good [title] defence against Dillian Whyte," Joshua told iFL TV.
"Dillian Whyte needs to come in, look at what Tyson Fury does and reacts to, and do the complete opposite. Maybe work the body, and be conditioned to go the distance.
"But I hope Dillian trains hard [and] doesn't underestimate Tyson. Because it's his first shot for Dillian, I think he'll be hungry, do you know what I mean?
"This ain't like his tenth time fighting for a title, you can have a little hiccup along the way. This is his first time fighting for the title.
"I'm rooting for Dillian, even though I hate him, and I want to smash him one of these days. Go on Dillian, I'm with you all the way."
Joshua, who defeated Whyte in December 2015, was due to face Fury last year before a court ruling ordered the final bout of a trilogy battle with Deontay Wilder.
Meanwhile, Joshua continues his preparations for a rematch with Usyk, despite the uncertainties surrounding the showdown due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
When asked whether he was concerned for Usyk, Joshua responded: "I've learnt sport and politics go hand in hand, and they're powerful voices, and it's good that they're speaking up.
"They're not pushing for war, they're saying 'let's find peace.' So good luck to them, and that's it really, before I go on and say something wrong."
Talks between Fury and Usyk recently broke down after it had appeared the two would agree to fight later this year, as negotiations between Fury and Joshua had done prior to that.
However, ahead of his clash with American Jermaine Franklin on Saturday, Joshua offered Fury the opportunity to renegotiate as he believes the Gypsy King "needs" him.
"There's no better time to get Fury in the ring than now because he needs me to redeem himself from this circus. This letdown," Joshua said.
"He needs me so there's no better time than for him to call my name out and I'm someone that will take on any challenge."
Two-time heavyweight champion Joshua lost back-to-back fights to Usyk and is looking to get back on track with a win against Franklin at London's O2 Arena, which will be his first fight since 2015 that has not been contested with a world title on the line.
Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn recently said: "If the Usyk fight doesn't get made, our message to team Fury is that we'll make the fight now, for straight after the Franklin fight," though AJ did concede he believes Fury and Usyk will eventually come to an agreement.
"It's not my position to slate or slag anyone off. I'm pretty sure [Fury v Usyk] will happen because I feel like there could potentially be a method to the madness," he told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"If, number one, I was in that position [and] didn't take that fight, how would people treat me?
"And number two, if I didn't take that fight what would Fury have to say about me? So I'm not going to stoop to that level.
"I respect everyone that steps into the ring. But I just sometimes think some people should watch their mouths a bit."
Fury took Wilder's WBC title with a seventh-round knockout in Las Vegas in February.
Joshua, who holds the WBA, IBF and WBO belts, felt his fellow Brit was able to take away the American's only weapon.
"We've seen in some of his fights, it's been difficult for him and then he lands his punch and he's been victorious, but I always believe that when you go to war, you can't have one weapon in your arsenal, which was his right hand," Joshua told Sky Sports.
"Once that was taken away from him, which Tyson Fury did, I'm not going to go into tactics, but he was able to annihilate Deontay Wilder and expose him for some of his weaknesses.
"Tyson Fury did a great job tactically and I'm looking forward to their rematch."
Joshua said he always felt Wilder would be beaten, with the defeat the first of his professional career.
"I believed Tyson Fury could potentially do what he done," he said.
"I just felt like, Deontay Wilder is a formidable ex-champion and has a chance to come back, but I just knew that when he gets to the top level, it will be difficult, because it's one thing getting there and it's another thing staying there."
Joshua lost his IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight belts against Usyk on points in London in 2021, before the Brit lost another decision to the former undisputed cruiserweight champion in their rematch in Saudi Arabia last year.
Joshua returned to the ring with an uninspiring points win over Jermaine Franklin before stopping Robert Helenius in eight rounds in August.
Those victories have put him back in the heavyweight title picture, setting up a bout with Otto Wallin in Riyadh this weekend. Deontay Wilder is set to fight Joshua Parker on the same card, and a two-fight deal has reportedly been agreed for Joshua and Wilder to meet twice in 2024.
Joshua feels he is getting back to form ahead of his fight this weekend, telling Stats Perform: "The [Oleksandr] Usyk fights were definitely tough times. Not perfect but we live to fight another day.
"But I'm here now and I'm definitely finding my feet again, for sure. That rhythm that one needs to be victorious.
"I set out a plan and I'm sticking to that. It was to be competitive, to fight three times this year. Who knows what will happen in this fight? But I'm leading towards victory.
"In terms of sticking to the plan, I've been consistent, which has helped me get my rhythm back for sure."
With all the potential distractions of future bouts hanging over this weekend's card, Joshua is remaining focused on fight week, saying: "I believe getting through a training camp in good fashion is a big part of being victorious. It's been very challenging and I've pushed myself.
"We're still staying focused. I remain in the camp mindset because I want to still be victorious. I don't want to lose myself with only a week to go and I'm going to get to the fight in good health and a good mindset and just do what I'm supposed to do."
The Wallin fight will be Joshua's first working under Ben Davison, his fifth trainer in three years after previously working with the likes of Robert McCracken and Derrick James.
Joshua is pleased with the impact Davison has had, explaining: "Working with Ben has been good. I've been disciplined. I've followed instructions.
"I'm a fast learner, not many are, but I'm a fast learner. So I take on board what they're saying.
"I trust in what he's saying as well. I wouldn't be in Ben Davison's camp if I didn't trust him and now I just have to do what I'm being told to do on the night of the fight."
Former Joshua conqueror Usyk is set to take on Tyson Fury in February, when a first undisputed heavyweight champion in the four-belt era will be crowned.
That fight is not at the front of Joshua's mind, however, with the 34-year-old stating: "I'm not focused on that one at the minute.
"It'll be a good fight. But all I'm focusing on is a day of reckoning and my opponent that's in front of me. I haven't really done a whole breakdown, but I'll be a good fight for sure."
On Saturday, Wilder made a string of comments criticising Fury for ending his interest in a third fight against the American, condemning reports the WBC champion was pursuing a meeting with Carlos Takam instead.
During those remarks, Wilder said to Fury: "You know I was offered more money to fight Joshua than I was getting to fight you. Again being a man of my word, I fought you."
Negotiations for a huge unification fight between Joshua and Wilder never reached a breakthrough before the latter's first fight against Fury, which ended in a dramatic draw in December 2018.
WBA, WBO and IBF champion Joshua – who defends his titles against Kubrat Pulev next month – has often faced jibes he had dodged a fight against Wilder, who at that time held the WBC belt, but is relieved the record has been set straight.
"When time goes by, naturally the truth will always reveal itself," Joshua said to Sky Sports. "He admitted it. We made him a lucrative offer but he wanted to face Fury.
"So be it. If that's what he wanted to do, fine. But he dragged my name through the mud.
"It's hard because at the time when people are talking and you see lots of media stuff, you start to believe what that person is saying. I get a lot of stick but I take it with a pinch of salt.
"While Wilder was trying to make me look like a bad person, that I didn't want to enhance the sport, or fight certain fighters, I just had to roll with the punches.
"He has come out and said it himself. We offered him a really good deal but he wanted to fight Fury. People can take it how they want and see what the truth is now."
Wilder was stopped by Fury in their February 2020 rematch and is contractually entitled to a third bout.
But Fury became frustrated by delays and plans to fight someone else on December 5, with Eddie Hearn calling for Dillian Whyte to be the opponent after his fight against Alexander Povetkin was postponed when the Russian tested positive for COVID-19.
IBF, WBA and WBO title holder Joshua has agreed two fights with WBC champion Fury next year to determine the division's undisputed champion.
Joshua first faces a mandatory title defence against Kubrat Pulev at the end of the year, while Fury is set to take on Deontay Wilder for a third time.
Fury won his first world titles in 2015, seven years after turning professional, whereas his countryman needed just three years to make his big breakthrough.
And ahead of their proposed superfights at some point in 2021, Joshua has cast doubt over whether taking on Fury will be the biggest test of his career.
"Fury has been professional much longer than me. He should be looking to retire soon," he told Sky Sports.
"If he wants to cement his legacy, I'm here and ready. I've built myself into this position.
"I'll challenge Fury, I'll challenge Wilder. These guys aren't the biggest names that I've fought on my record anyway. They are just another heavyweight.
"Look at my record. They are not the best fighters that I have challenged. When they are ready, I'm here to fight."
Fury has won 30 of his 31 professional fights and beat Wilder in February to claim the WBC and Ring Magazine titles.
However, Joshua – with a record of 23 wins from 24 fights – is not fazed about stepping into the ring with the Gypsy King.
"I haven't got fear of Fury – whether he's got a better chin than me, a better jab than me, whether he's all of this stuff that people say," Joshua said.
"So be it. Let me go in there and prove myself. Show you who I am and what I can do.
"I've fought five champions and been in two unification fights. I'm a two-time heavyweight champion in the space of 24 fights and a [seven-year] career. It shows you I am serious.
"If Fury is serious, I'll take that fight seriously too."
Bob Arum, Fury's co-promoter along with Warren, has held preliminary talks with Matchroom Boxing boss Eddie Hearn over the prospect of a mouthwatering all-British bout.
WBC champion Fury faces a third fight with Deontay Wilder next, while Joshua is due to step into the ring with Kubrat Pulev after their bout - scheduled for June - was called off amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Warren believes the main issue getting in the way of a deal being agreed for Fury and Joshua to fight is Matchroom promoters do not want it to happen.
He told talkSPORT: "My concern, first and foremost, although they talk about it a lot, Matchroom, I don't think they want the fight. I don't think they want to put AJ in with Tyson, I really don't think so.
"I hear all the noises, but actions speak louder than words and at the moment it seems to me – and I'm not normally wrong on things like this – I've got a gut feeling they don't want it and I think that's for a reason.
"I think Tyson's the best heavyweight on the planet, there's no doubt about that, and it's a big risk for them. It's a feeling from me, I’ve never had any conversations [with Matchroom] because I don't deal with them.
"I know they've had talks with the MTK people [Fury's managers], I know there's also been conversations with Bob Arum, but I've told them all the way through this I don't think they want it.
"If Tyson, which I believe he will do, beats AJ, then they've got a problem."
Warren also revealed that an offer has been received for Fury to fight Wilder in the Far East, but refused to confirm Macau in China was the location.
"I can't say that [the offer is from Macau] at the moment, [but] it is from the Far East," he said.
"The fight will be back end of the year. All of the big fights are gonna be back end of the year."
The Briton shockingly lost his IBF, WBA and WBO belts to Andy Ruiz Jr in July 2019 before regaining them with a convincing performance in a December rematch.
Joshua's next defence is against Pulev, though a venue and a date have yet to be confirmed due to continued uncertainty over the coronavirus pandemic.
Should Joshua come through unscathed, a lucrative unification bout with countryman Tyson Fury is on the cards, providing the WBC title holder defends his own strap against Deontay Wilder.
But Peter Fury, Tyson's uncle and former trainer, thinks Joshua can ill afford to look too far ahead.
"Pulev is very cagey and he'll come in top condition as well, and he's really up for this fight," he told Sky Sports.
"He's got a very good jab. He's a very underestimated boxer is Pulev. He's very awkward.
"You've got to break him down and AJ will have to take chances in this fight, because he's not going to just simply be able to land that double jab and right hand on Pulev, no matter how sharp he is.
"AJ has got to take it to him and be explosive, but be clever with it. You have to fancy the younger man, but like I said, you can't put anything past Pulev, because he's a very cute, professional fighter.
"It's not a pushover fight this, it's a serious fight. When people are famous in boxing everyone expects them to win, but it's not the case in this fight.
"This fight is a dangerous fight for him. If he doesn't keep 100 per cent focused, this fight can slip from him again."
Garcia joined Joshua's corner to work alongside co-trainer Angel Fernandez before the second defeat to Oleksandr Usyk, who successfully defended his belts in a rematch in Saudi Arabia in August.
The split-decision victory for Usyk had led to expectations of a title unification bout with Fury – but it will be Joshua who faces his compatriot after seemingly accepting terms for a clash on December 3.
The WBC heavyweight title will be on the line after Fury refused to wait to meet Usyk next year, but Garcia would have preferred for the all-British fight to take place at a later date.
"Look, it's a huge fight, it's the biggest fight in the UK and it's a fight that actually needs to happen sooner rather than later," Garcia told iD Boxing.
"Would I prefer it to happen two, three fights from now? Yes, but it's a big fight and it's a big business.
"His management team is very smart when it comes to negotiations and the final decisions, so they'll make the right decision. Personally, I'm not a businessman, I'd rather him take two or three fights before anything huge.
"Anthony took the rematch with Usyk right away, when he could have easily taken two or three fights before that. He took it right away because he wants those challenges too.
"If this challenge is there and he wants to take it, he'll take it. He'll go out and train and we'll do our best job to go out there and win. The fight won't be easy but is it winnable? Yes, we could win that fight."
Fury is unbeaten in his 33 professional fights, winning 32, while Joshua has suffered three defeats in his last five bouts.
With a 'Battle of Britain' on the horizon, Garcia encouraged Joshua to take a trip to the United States for a training camp in a bid to boost his chances of dethroning Fury.
"I haven't talked to him [Joshua] about it [training in the USA], I talked to the management team," Garcia continued. "They all said they would like that, but at the end of the day, it's going to be his decision.
"I think he would do so much better, honestly, training around Jesse Rodriguez, Jose Ramirez and all the young talent that I have. It's not only that he's going to train with them, he's going to compete with them.
"They're going to train together, they're going to push each other and they all want to be better than the other. I think that would help a lot – I would love that."
The WBO number one contender cemented his place at the top of the pecking order for a big heavyweight clash after battering Hammer into submission at Wembley Arena on Saturday.
Joyce, who won silver at the 2016 Olympic Games, delivered another technical knockout to maintain his unbeaten professional record of 14-0 - and is now ready to have a bright lights bout against the very best the heavyweight division has to offer.
"What a performance, I enjoyed it so much," Joyce told Sky Sports. "I'm top level ready for the world stage.
"I'm ready for all comers, and I'm looking to fight the winner of AJ-Usyk, maybe Tyson Fury. I'm at that level."
The 36-year-old had not fought since last year as he recovered from a broken wrist, and could well have risked his shot at a major belt if he had lost to Hammer.
"He was tough, he was game and he hit me with some good shots early on," Joyce said. "Especially because I haven't fought for so long I have to warm into the fight."
Joshua and Usyk are set to go head-to-head in Jeddah next month, just under a year on from the latter's victory in London to claim the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles.
The 35-year-old secured his latest win against former challenger Takam to stretch his unbeaten record to 13 fights, including 12 knockouts.
As the WBO's mandatory challenger, Joyce will now have a keen eye on the outcome of September's bout between Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk.
"What I want is AJ or Usyk. I'm ready now and don't need any more tests," he told BT Sport.
Joyce absorbed pressure from Takam in the early rounds before a barrage of punches in the fourth put him in control of the contest.
A powerful left hook from Joyce at the start of the sixth startled Takam and the referee intervened with the Frenchman increasingly unsteady on his feet.
"He is still dangerous, so I had to take my opportunity when I got it," Joyce added.
"He did mildly hurt me, I had to use the sweet science of boxing such as movement and feints to get the performance done.
"He didn't say anything about the stoppage, he is a warrior. It was a very tough fight, so my respect to him.
"I will go back in the gym and watch my fights back, analyse my performance and work on my mistakes, like when I got caught with silly shots."
Fury, the WBC title-holder, and Usyk, who possesses the WBO, WBA (Super) and IBF crowns, have been seeking to agree terms for a fight on April 29.
Negotiations have stalled on multiple occasions however, while the pair have sparred verbally throughout, though it appears Fury will now take a 70-30 purse split.
WBO interim heavyweight champion Joyce, who is arguably the strongest mandatory challenger to either man, would be happy to square off if a deal falls through, though he would prefer to face an ultimate winner.
"It's [been] kind of dragging on a bit," he told Sky Sports' Toe2Toe podcast. "Fury's got 70 per cent [so] I guess it's happening now.
"He's started camp, [and] I would imagine Usyk's already in camp. Maybe he knows something we don't. Possibly, [I could fight one of them]. I guess it's a good back-up plan."
Reiterating he would prefer to wait though, the Briton added: "That would be something, wouldn't it? There's been a lot of rematch clauses of late. They drag on, don't they?
"It's quite refreshing to hear that there isn't one for this fight. I can jump in afterwards [and] fight the winner. I'm confident in my abilities and I think it would be a great fight against either of them."
On a preferred opponent, Joyce admitted an all-British clash thrilled him, adding: "I really like the sound of the Fury fight. Can you imagine? Undisputed has a nice ring to it."
Joyce claimed the British, Commonwealth and European titles as he wore down Dubois in a long-awaited showdown between two undefeated heavyweights with big hopes of bursting onto the world scene.
The pair were due to meet in April and then July, but both dates were postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. October 24 was also lined up at one stage, only for a further delay to the contest.
However, the clash did not disappoint when the two finally went up against each other in Westminster on Saturday.
Dubois – favourite following 15 straight wins since turning professional – lived up to his nickname of 'Dynamite' at times as he landed some heavy blows, including an overhand right in the second round that briefly threatened an early finish.
Yet Joyce was able to come through the occasional onslaught and, crucially, poked and probed away with his metronomic jab, a basic but clever tactic that led to him doing damage to his opponent.
A swollen left eye caused Dubois problems and, after being caught again by a jab, he dropped down to one knee during the 10th. While looking at his corner, the 23-year-old was counted out.
Joyce was able to celebrate a 12th successive triumph since opting to move into the paid ranks following the 2016 Olympic Games, having returned home with a silver medal from the super-heavyweight competition in Rio de Janeiro.
Now 35 years of age, the fighter known as 'Juggernaut' is not willing to hang around for opportunities against some of the leading names in a packed division, including Usyk.
"Usyk! Usyk! I'm ready for you, Usyk!" Joyce told BT Sport while putting on a deep voice, mimicking the Ukrainian, who had done the same during the build-up to his recent clash with Dereck Chisora.
Dubois, meanwhile, insisted he will come back stronger from the first setback in his career, though faced criticism in the aftermath following the circumstances surrounding the finish.
"He caught me with a good jab. It just happened, man. I tried my best, but I couldn't see. I'm a tough guy. I'll come again for sure," Dubois said.
Former heavyweight world champion David Haye questioned the decision to take a knee while working for BT Sport, while Carl Frampton said: "I think he quit there, I have to be brutally honest."
