Tyson Fury has told Anthony Joshua he needs to earn the respect of the heavyweight division.
The rivals have repeatedly clashed on social media but have yet to enter into talks over an actual fight.
Fury fought to a controversial draw with world champion Deontay Wilder last December but rematch negotiations broke down earlier this year.
Joshua has failed to agree a deal with Wilder and will instead fight Andy Ruiz Jr in New York on June 1.
Fury meanwhile will take on the unknown Tom Schwarz in Las Vegas two weeks later.
And he suggested Joshua puts some distance between himself and his promoter in order to gain credibility.
Boxing news: Tyson Fury set to beat Anthony Joshua to Deontay Wilder fight
"What I suggest Anthony Joshua does is get his nuts out of Eddie Hearn's handbag and use them to gain respect in the heavyweight division," he told ESPN.
Fury also insisted he is the lineal champion and will remain so even if Joshua and Wilder clash in a unification fight.
“I’m the Gypsy King, I'm the lineal heavyweight champion of the world. All roads lead to Tyson Fury , no matter who wins out of them two," he added.
Boxing news: Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder rematch date confirmed
"Whoever wins out of them two, they can’t consider themselves to be the best heavyweight in the world unless they beat me.
"I’m the lineal champion, and you’ve got to beat me to be the fighter of their era, and nobody has managed to do it in 29 fights."
Fury added that he expects to fight twice in 2019 and that the rematch with Wilder is pencilled in for April or May next year.
