Wednesday 16 March 2016 15:00, UK
World heavyweight title challenger Anthony Joshua has branded divisional kingpin Tyson Fury 'a clown'.
WBA Super and WBO world champion Fury has previously outlined his intention to 'bladder' the Olympic champion in a huge domestic clash in the future and Joshua, who faces IBF champion Charles Martin live on Sky Sports Box Office on April 9, has hit back.
In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports, Joshua (15-0-KO15) said of Fury: "I think he's a bit of a clown, to be honest. I find him a bit irritating but that's him. If that works for him, so be it.
I think it's going to get worse for these lot because my confidence will grow as I keep training, learning, working on stuff I've been working on for years.
"At the end of the day, I can't wait to fight him. As time goes on, I think it's going to get worse for these lot because my confidence will grow as I keep training, learning, working on stuff I've been working on for years. As soon as it clicks, I can take it further and I feel confident of beating these guys.
"I need people like David Haye, Dillian Whyte, David Price, Dereck Chisora and Tyson Fury. These are the guys I need on my soil. The cream always rises to the top. I'm just sitting back. I've been watching them for a couple of years and after I win on April 9, I'm going to knock on their doors. I always welcome challenges."
At the age of 26, Joshua has already fought under the bright lights of The O2 five times and believes his experience in the venue will stand him in good stead when he takes on America's Martin (23-0-1-KO21).
Joshua said: "The fact I'm headlining is great but for me, I gained experience as an amateur going on last so I don't look at it as a great opportunity [to be] headlining - I just feel that I'm a heavyweight so I'm always going to be the last one on.
"I think it'll be different for Charles. Even though he's champion, I don't think he's ever fought in an arena like The O2 on a headline as the champion. It's going to be a different atmosphere for him and I think that plays a part in how you enter the fight. It'll be interesting to see how he copes."
Charles Martin v Anthony Joshua for the IBF world heavyweight title is live and exclusive on Sky Sports Box Office on April 9.
