Tyson Fury says neither Anthony Joshua nor Deontay Wilder can be called 'the man' until they beat him

Former champion Tyson Fury believes Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder or any other current heavyweight fighter cannot be called "the man of their era" until they beat him.

Having not fought since November 2015 when he upset Wladimir Klitschko in Germany to win the IBF, IBO, WBA, WBO heavyweight titles, the unbeaten Fury was recently cleared to fight again after he accepted a two-year backdated suspension from the UK Anti-Doping (UKAD).

The "Gypsy King" proceeded to call out current WBA and IBF heavyweight champion Joshua soon after as the two Britons have been trash-talking each other on Twitter ever since it emerged that they could potentially face off in 2018.

Joshua is widely believed to be the best heavyweight boxer in the world today. However, in a recent interview with BT Sport, Fury believes otherwise as he is uncertain if "AJ" could beat WBC heavyweight champion Wilder.

"I wouldn't necessarily say he is top of the pack," Fury said. "He's doing well and has got some belts but is he a better fighter than Deontay Wilder? In my opinion he's not.

"If those two fought I believe Wilder would knock him out. AJ is a limited opponent. He's big and strong and that's it. He isn't going to bring anything to the ring that you're not expecting.

"He's going to come forward in a straight line with his hands up around his head and look to land his power punches and failing that he's lost."

Joshua is looking to cement his legacy by becoming the first heavyweight champion to win all four belts. But Fury believes he and everyone else have to do more than that to become the undisputed best in the division.

"Not one of the current heavyweights could ever be considered the man of their era unless they beat me," Fury added.