Thursday 8 December 2016 19:17, UK
Shannon Briggs says Anthony Joshua can rule the heavyweight division until the Briton gets to face the 45-year-old.
'The Cannon' arrived in Manchester for the final press conference between Joshua and Eric Molina, ahead of the IBF world heavyweight title fight, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Briggs admitted the Brit could become the best heavyweight in the world but warned, even at the age of 45, he will stop the Briton's rise to the top.
"I am super-impressed [with Joshua]," he told Sky Sports News HQ.
"If Eddie Hearn keeps him away from me, I think he is the future of the division and I think he could have a long reign.
"I'm an old veteran. I am like Oliver McCall when he fought Lennox Lewis, so keep him away from me - which won't happen if he beats Wladimir Klitschko."
"I've been ordered the WBA heavyweight title fight. I am going to win that with a vicious KO then hopefully I'll get Joshua - or the winner of Joshua and Klitschko, if they can do a deal first.
"The champ is unstoppable. I am 45 and I am in the best shape of my life. The momentum is around the world, people are going 'Let's go champ!' and you can't beat that.
"That's positive energy and I'm feeling great."
Briggs was due to fight for the vacant WBA regular world title only for Australian Lucas Browne to fail a second VADA drug test last month. Klitschko and Joshua are expected to fight for the WBA 'world' title at some stage in 2017.
The American was also expecting to take on David Haye earlier this year but with the heavyweight taking on Tony Bellew next year, 'The Cannon' has promised to catch up with him at the Manchester Arena on Saturday night.
Watch Anthony Joshua v Eric Molina at the Manchester Arena, on December 10, live on Sky Sports Box Office. Book the event via your Sky remote or online here.
