Deontay Wilder is disappointed Mike Tyson did not go public with his praise following the heavyweight world champion's stunning KO of Luis Ortiz.
Wilder lost the first six rounds of his latest title defence in Las Vegas last weekend before detonating a right hand which sent his Cuban rival crashing to the canvas.
Tyson was ringside at the MGM Grand in Sin City as Wilder's performance drew comparisons with the ring legend in his prime.
But Wilder wants his predecessor to take his praise public.
"I had some people sitting by Mike," Wilder told TMZ. "Mike gave me some praises, which I wish he would have said in public.
"Behind closed doors is cute and s*** but out in public?! Just express yourself. I don't know what the deal is with the old generation, new generation. Like, the old is the past, bro, let it go.
"And sometimes history does repeat itself and God brings others that come along to make their own history.
"I had people telling me Mike was saying, 'When I knocked guys out, I had to use combinations but with Wilder man that guy can hit'. I am the hardest-hitting puncher in boxing history, period."
Wilder's victory keeps him on course for his rematch with Tyson Fury which is scheduled for February 22, likely at the same venue.
The rivals fought to a draw 12 months ago when Fury twice rose from the canvas to hear the final bell.
And Wilder added: "I mean, if him getting up off his back is the 'Kryptonite' than Lord have mercy.
"Have mercy upon him the 2nd time because he won't get up. Because I'm gonna get him again. These fighters have to be perfect for me for 12 rounds and that's 36 minutes! 36 minutes you gotta be perfect!"
