Anthony Joshua Says Whyte Nothing More Than a 'Hater'

Anthony Joshua has branded Dillian Whyte a "hater" as he prepares to fight Gary Cornish at London's 02 Arena on Saturday.

Joshua challenges Scotland's undefeated Cornish for the vacant Commonwealth heavyweight title and with victory will set up what would be the biggest fight of his career in December against Whyte, who must defeat Brian Minto on the undercard.

Whyte floored and defeated Joshua while the two were raw amateurs and they have remained bitter towards each other since, as was demonstrated on Thursday when the former overshadowed a Joshua press conference by labelling the heavyweight "fake".

Whyte has been preparing at Detroit's famous Kronk Gym under Johnathon Banks, the trainer of world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko - but despite his growing profile, Joshua also taunted him by insisting he is only becoming famous because of Joshua's success.

"I'm being asked about Gary Cornish, and I'm replying about Gary Cornish, and all of a sudden I'm hearing this little chipmunk in the background," said Joshua.

"It was Dillian, talking again, he said his piece, saying I'm fake. I said 'Explain to me what you mean' - I didn't hear anything.

"When Dillian Whyte brings up the past, it's like, 'Come on brother, that's years ago, look at the man I am today'.

"I'm improved, I'm trying to get better, and if you're knocking someone for trying to improve their life, what does that make you? A hater.

"He's irrelevant to me. Dillian, go out there and do your business Saturday, man. Get your win. Get your pay cheque. Get back in the gym and then get yourself ready for December.

"It seems to me I'm giving this guy opportunities to make himself a public figure at the 02 so make the most of it. I'm not knocking his hustle, don't knock mine either."