Anthony Joshua has lost all his respect for Tyson Fury as he told the former heavyweight to get back in action if he wants to set up a big-money clash.
The IBF and WBA champion is furious with Fury after he labelled him a “bum” and questioned his performance against Carlos Takam in October.
“What we are achieving as heavyweight champions is phenomenal, but for someone in my own industry to discredit it, I can’t respect that person,” Joshua told BBC Sportsweek.
“I don’t respect him. I don’t have much respect for many boxers in the heavyweight division.
“It’s not an act with me. I’m being honest. I used to. I used to say very nice things.
“If I speak well of Tyson Fury and say ‘what he’s achieved is so hard and I respect him’ it builds the credibility of the heavyweight championship belt up.
“I don’t respect him. I don’t have much respect for many boxers in the heavyweight division.
“It’s not an act with me. I’m being honest. I used to. I used to say very nice things.
“If I speak well of Tyson Fury and say ‘what he’s achieved is so hard and I respect him’ it builds the credibility of the heavyweight championship belt up.”