Anthony Joshua took inspiration from Canelo Alvarez in response to being called out by Andre Ward.
Former two-weight world champion, Ward said he would only come out of retirement for a showdown with Joshua at Wembley Stadium.
The 41-year-old called time on his illustrious career in 2017 with an undefeated record and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame four years later.
Despite his accolades, the Californian admits he would be willing to face the Brit in a bout he says he would be putting his legacy at stake by taking.
“It’s a lot of names out there, but it’s not a lot of names that make sense,” Ward said on social media.
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“But it’s one name that I’ve brought up before that when you say that name I can see myself fighting him, present day, today.
“If the business was right and everything was right on that front.
“Me and Anthony Joshua.
“That’s a fight I would take at Wembley Stadium.
“It’s a dangerous fight for my legacy.
“It’s a dangerous fight across the board, but that’s a fight that would get me in the gym and get me in a mindset that I need to be in to go to war.”
Ward has never fought above 175lbs, whilst former two-time heavyweight world champion, ‘AJ’ has weighed in as high as 255.4lbs.
The 35-year-old has not fought since a brutal fifth round stoppage defeat to Daniel Dubois last September and is in talks for a shock showdown with YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul.
Ward though has questioned the legitimacy of a match-up between them and urged the Londoner to face him instead.
“It’s Anthony Joshua,” he added.
“I know he’s getting ready to fight Jake Paul.
“I ain’t talking about that.
“I’m talking about a real fight.”
Joshua sent a cryptic response, referring to when Canelo shut down a callout from Demetrius Andrade following his victory over Billy Joe Saunders in 2021.
‘AJ’ replied on Instagram: “Pay Day Pay Day ( Canelo voice ).”
Joshua, who has fought at Wembley Stadium three times, took a further jibe at Ward, questioning his drawing power: “Bro said Wembley stadium like it’s casual looooooooooool.
“90k tickets DRE!
“What do your gate numbers look like DRE.”
