Dillian Whyte and Anthony Joshua have clashed on social media over their respective future fights.
Whyte is due to fight Tyson Fury at Wembley Stadium on April 23 when he challenges for the WBC world championship.
While Fury has now gone quiet after months of goading various fighters following his win against Deontay Wilder back in October, it was Whyte who had been keeping a low profile recently.
Following suggestions from Joshua that, "Even though I hate him," he wanted Whyte to beat Fury, Whyte replied on Instagram on Monday night.
“Why so bitter," he began. "Number 1 bulls— guy. @anthonyjoshua what did I ever do to you man.” He then wished him luck for his upcoming rematch with Oleksandr Usyk, which is expected in May.
Joshua had said on Saturday to IFL TV:
“It's a good opponent [for Fury], it's a good [title] defence against Dillian Whyte.
“Dillian Whyte needs to come in, look at what Tyson Fury does and reacts to, and do the complete opposite. Maybe work the body, and be conditioned to go the distance.
“I'm rooting for Dillian, even though I hate him, and I want to smash him one of these days.
“Go on Dillian, I'm with you all the way.”
Later Joshua clarified his remarks following Whyte’s comeback, explaining: “Hate is a strong word I respect you champ. I Just want to fight you at some point.”
The pair fought back in 2015, with Joshua winning by technical knockout.