Saturday night's clash with former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou was supposed to be a formality for the 35-year-old in Saudi Arabia. 

But what transpired was something that fans of both boxing and MMA did not expect. Ngannou impressed in what was his professional boxing debut, surprising Fury and even scored a knockdown in the third round!

While Ngannou may not have been declared the winner on the judges' scorecards, Fury's reputation and aura has taken a massive hit with some now wondering whether his best days are behind him. 

Despite the underwhelming performance, Fury is still one of the biggest names in boxing and there are some huge fights still to be made involving the WBC world heavyweight champion, DAZN takes a look at three possible opponents for Fury when he decides to return to the ring. 

Oleksandr Usyk 

Top Rank

If Tyson Fury made easy work of Francis Ngannou, it was expected that an undisputed world heavyweight title fight with Oleksandr Usyk would be confirmed for December 23. 

However, this date is likely to be pushed back to early 2024 with Fury set to take a prolonged rest after facing Ngannou. 

Whenever a date is officially confirmed for this undisputed clash, it will bring the boxing world to a standstill with fans finally getting to find out who is boxing's number one heavyweight. 

Anthony Joshua

Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing

Fans cannot resist mentioning Anthony Joshua when discussing the career of Tyson Fury. 

There is no doubt a fight between these two would be one of the biggest fights in the history of the heavyweight division, but after Fury's lacklustre performance against Ngannou, the prospect of this all-British showdown coming to fruition has taken another hit.

After numerous failed attempts to make the contest over the years, Joshua is forging his own path as he continues to develop under new trainer Derrick James and if rumours around the industry are to be believed, Fury does not feature in any plans when it comes to Joshua's next outing and his quest to become a three-time world heavyweight champion. 

Francis Ngannou 

(Top Rank)

Francis Ngannou shocked Tyson Fury and the world with his performance, and with the fight being decided via a split decision, there is a clamour for a rematch. 

While Fury will be eager to right the wrongs of the first fight, the question is whether he is willing to risk his reputation once more as one of the world's best operators in order to silence a former UFC champion? 

If a Fury vs. Ngannou rematch was to happen, there would have to be a huge amount of money attached to the contest, but if the two were to meet a second time, it is likely to generate even more interest after an eventful first encounter.