Dillian Whyte has hit back at Anthony Joshua by branding his heavyweight rival "bitter".
The 'Body Snatcher' has been relatively inactive on social media after his title shot against Tyson Fury was announced to take place on April 23.
Whyte's previous ring rival Joshua emphasised his support for Whyte in the bout despite admitting he "hates" his domestic rival.
“This is his first time fighting for a title," Joshua told IFL TV. "I’m rooting for Dillian, even though I hate him.
"I want to smash him one of these days. Go on, Dillian, go all the way."
Whyte then hit back, posting : "Why are you so bitter number one bull**** guy? Anthony Joshua what did I ever do to you man s*** haha. Good luck for your rematch with Oleksandr Usyk."
The pair have a history of animosity having shared the ring in a bumper domestic clash back in 2015 where Joshua prevailed by stoppage.
During the fight, tensions threatened to spoil over with Whyte swinging a giant overhand at Joshua after the bell had rung for the end of the round.
This erupted into chaos in the ring with security forced to hold the pair back with their rivalry culminating in Joshua winning by stoppage.
Joshua is awaiting news of his own next fight as he looks to seize back his unified world titles from Oleksandr Usyk.
The rivals are expected to meet in May or June, several weeks after Fury and White clash at Wembley.
Whyte left his signature on the official fight contracts until the fifth hour after Fury's co-promoter Frank Warren won purse bids to stage the clash with a £31million offer.
The challenger has been left unhappy with the financial terms of the deal after the WBC ordered a purse split of 80 per cent in the champion's favour.
Who will win on April 23 - Tyson Fury or Dillian Whyte? Let us know in the comments section below
Fury also claimed Whyte has demanded extra money to attend a press conference to promote the fight.
Joshua believes that if Whyte can "work the body" and prepare to go the full twelve round distance, he can hold the key to defeating Fury.
“It’s a good defence against Dillian Whyte," Joshua added. "Dillian Whyte needs to come in and look at what Tyson Fury does and reacts to, and do the complete opposite.
“Work the body and be conditioned to go the distance, I hope Dillian trains hard and doesn’t underestimate Tyson.
“Because this is his first [world title] shot for Dillian, I think he’ll be hungry - I mean, it's his tenth time fighting for a title, and he can have a little hiccup along the way."
