Anthony Joshua: Tyson Fury only has "two good wins" on his record
Anthony Joshua, right, and Fury have both fought and beat Wladimir Klitschko, left (Nick Potts/PA)
Does Joshua have a point or is the unified heavyweight champion heating up the antics ahead of a proposed blockbuster clash in 2021?
Anthony Joshua has begun the mind games by taking a jibe at the progression of fellow heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.
WBA, IBF and WBO champion titleholder Joshua has claimed Fury has just "two good wins" against Deontay Wilder and Wladimir Klitschko.
The pair have agreed a two-fight deal for 2021, providing Joshua can come through mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev and Fury can repeat victory over Wilder.
"AJ" was quick to remind people that Fury, 32, started his professional career in 2008 - five years earlier than the 2012 Olympic champion despite being just one year older.
"Remember, he was a heavyweight well before my time," Joshua told Sky Sports.
"He turned professional in 2008. That was the year I had my first amateur fight!
"I never thought I would catch up to Fury. He was never someone that was on my radar.
"So I've never known Tyson until I turned professional and started barking at the heels of these heavyweights who were docile.
"I started bringing some heat. Now they became relevant in my life.
"My relationship with Tyson is only because I progressed as quickly as I did, and he didn't progress as quickly.
"He's had two good wins - against Deontay Wilder and Wladimir Klitschko.
"Over a long period of time, a career that has spanned 12 years, I would have liked to have seen him in some more challenging competitions.
"But he knows what is right for him, and I know what is right for me. As a fighter he has done what he needs to do to be in the position he is in today, so good luck to him."
Joshua said: "Providing I get past Pulev, what more can I do to prove that I am ready to fight Fury?"
