Tyson Fury said he was “impressed” by Anthony Joshua during his victory over Kubrat Pulev on Saturday.
Joshua defeated his Bulgarian opponent in a mandatory defence of his IBF championship, and won by knockout in the ninth round.
However, Fury suggested that beating a 39-year-old Pulev is not overwhelmingly awe-inspiring.
Speaking to Good Morning Britain, he said: “It was [a tough fight] but no disrespect for Kubrat Pulev, he’s nearly 40 years old and he’s not had a competitive fight since he fought [Wladimir] Klitschko in 2014.
"He hasn’t been boxing regularly against high-level opposition, and at 40 years old I think he was ready to put his carpet slippers on anyway. It was his last hurrah.
“I watched the fight and I was very impressed with what he [Joshua] did.”
The WBC heavyweight champion then suggested that Joshua was not necessarily keen to fight him in 2021, despite reports that both camps have already agreed financial terms for two fights next year.
“Then it came to the end of the fight when he did the interview, the public wanted to hear that he wanted to fight me and he avoided the question, which was a bit disappointing to be honest because it’s been such a long time building up over the year, and he avoided the question like he didn’t want the fight,” Fury explained.
“So I had to get straight on social media and let everyone know I’m willing to take the fight, I’m ready to take the fight. ‘We’ll see what’s going to go on, let’s see what goes on, let’s hope this fight happens.
“I’m willing to take the fight, I don’t know if they are. I’ve been willing to take the fight for the last five years, it’s not happened so far but I’m very optimistic that it will happen in 2021.”
The 32-year-old British boxer goaded his potential opponent and predicted he would be the victor if the fighters do eventually meet.
“Grow a pair and sign the contract, big boy,” Fury said.
“I’ve always said for a long time that I do believe Anthony Joshua is tailor-made for someone with my style.
“I think it’s going to be one of the most explosive, quickest fights you’re going to see. I’m aiming to take him out inside four rounds. I said it about Deontay Wilder and not many people listened. I’ll say it again about Anthony Joshua.
“He’s standing in my way of total supremacy in my era. He’s the only one left who I haven’t beaten. Immortality awaits, I’m one win away from it.”