Would AJ still be a contender if Tyson Fury never left?

[Accolade]

We'd most likely have Wilder, Fury, or an undisputed champion between the two as head of the division, and Wladimir Klitschko lurking around as the top contender, maybe Luis Ortiz as well. I honestly don't think Joshua would be a champion if Fury kept his nose clean.

[Larry the boss]

IBF stripped Fury instantly...so He would have atleast had that title

[_Rexy_]

H'e get the IBF off Charles Martin...then he'd lose that if Wilder wanted it back. AJ now would lose to a prime Fury, but AJ coming off the Martin win would get toyed with.

[Madison Boxing]

if buts maybes, hes top dog now.

[hugh grant]

If fury didn't self destruct, Josh would still be having tune up fights and be saying I'll be ready next year.
I could beat fury now but it would be diifficult. If I fight him next year it would be easier though.

[Shawnex]

Yes. Joshua and Wilder are both more than capable of beating Tyson Fury. I even think that Luiz Ortiz would beat Fury with relative ease, due to superior skills and punching power. Joshua, Wilder and Ortiz do not pull their punches like Wladimir did, they would all destroy Fury (and likewise destroy Wladimir).

[Raggamuffin]

We'd most likely have Wilder, Fury, or an undisputed champion between the two as head of the division, and Wladimir Klitschko lurking around as the top contender, maybe Luis Ortiz as well. I honestly don't think Joshua would be a champion if Fury kept his nose clean.

The UK fraud is only the A side in the U.K. He's not the universal A side. He’d still be a contender waiting for Wilder to lose.

[boliodogs]

Who knows? AJ is a very good fighter. He might have fought Fury and he might have defeated Fury.