Tony Bellew has vigorously leapt to the defence of world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, who was recently accused of doping by the WBC belt holder Deontay Wilder.

The war of words between the reigning kings of the heavyweight scene has been going on for some time as they both eye a potential superfight down the line, but Bellew believes Wilder has crossed the line.

Bellew wrote on his blog for the Metro recently that: "It was disgusting that Wilder came out and insinuated Joshua is on steroids.

"He called him A ‘Juicing’ J. But, no one has picked up that.

"Wilder should be made to pay heavily for that. Joshua has never failed a drug test in his life and he’s probably the most tested boxer in the world.

"Every time I speak to him, he’s getting tested. It brings the sport into disrepute when you label a fighter a cheat when he’s not."

The Liverpudlian Bellew, himself preparing for a highly anticipated rematch with David Haye in London next month, is a huge admirer of Joshua and was angered by the astonishing outburst from Wilder after the American's recent first round knockout of Bermane Stiverene in New York.

A hyped up Wilder immediately set his sights on Joshua and delivered his stinging accusation ringside.

"You know, I've been waiting on that fight for a long time...me versus A-Juicing-J."

Recent prospective opponents of Wilder in Andrzej Wawrzyk and Luis Ortiz have failed their own drug tests, however, the implied allegation about Joshua is baseless as he has no record of ever having failed a test.

Tawdry as the insinuation might be, it merely serves to heighten the demand for what would be one of the biggest boxing showdowns.

There is little doubt who Bellew would be supporting if the superfight between Joshua and Wilder was ever to be arranged.