By Edward Chaykovsky

The war of words is back on the table between British heavyweight contender Dillian Whyte (17-1, 14KOs) and former world champion Antonio 'Magic Man' Tarver (31-6-1, 22KOs).

Tarver, 47-years-old, was asking for a fight with Whyte - hoping that a victory will lead to a title crack at IBF heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua.

Whyte has now accused Tarver of dropping out of a planned fight on October 7th in Glasgow. He claims a deal was practically agreed up on and Tarver walked away from the fight.

Tarver has been out of the ring since last August's split draw with Steve Cunningham. Following that fight, it was revealed that Tarver had tested positive for a banned substance and he's been on the shelf since while attempting to secure a major fight.

While Tarver denies that he took any banned substance in training for Cunningham, it was his second failed test in three years. Following a cruiserweight fight with Lateef Kayode in June 2012, Tarver tested positive for the anabolic steroid drostanolone. The outcome, also a draw, was changed to a no-decision and Tarver was suspended for a year.

According to Whyte, he says Matchroom Sports head Eddie Hearn advised him that Tarver would not be ready for the fight.

Whyte, 28-years-old, said: “Antonio ‘The Magic Man’ Tarver is a p*ssy. We’ve been looking to make the fight with Tarver for October 7 and Eddie just told me he offered him the fight, agreed the cash with him and Tarver says he won’t be ready.

“After saying ‘I’m training, I’m ready, I’m going to come over there and whup your arse’ he is just like all those other American guys – talk crap and don’t back it up.

“Don’t waste my time Antonio Tarver. You’re not the Magic Man – you’re the Magic Bum. Stay in your lane and get out of my lane – I’m in the fast one and it is too fast for you.”