By Edward Chaykovsky

Former WBO heavyweight champion Shannon Briggs believes Anthony Joshua (17-0, 17KOs) can rule the heavyweight division - unless they are matched against each other. He issued a warning to Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn, to keep the two of them away from each other.

Briggs once again made his presence felt when he crashed the final press conference for Joshua's scheduled defends of the IBF heavyweight title against Eric Molina on Saturday night in Manchester, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

"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."

Briggs was scheduled to fight Lucas Browne for the vacant WBA 'regular' heavyweight title. After Browne tested positive for a banned substance, the fight is now in limbo until the WBA makes a ruling.

Should Joshua win on Saturday, he will next face former division ruler Wladimir Klitschko in April - with the vacant WBA 'super' and IBO titles at stake. Briggs - should he win the WBA's regular belt - will fall in line for a future showdown with the Joshua vs. Klitschko winner.

"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 said.