Boxing legend Mike Tyson isn't sure who would have triumphed in a dream fight between himself in his prime, and current world champion Anthony Joshua. 

The aptly nicknamed 'baddest man on the planet' remains one of the most famous and influential figures ever to enter the ring, after an iconic career which saw him crowned the first ever lineal heavyweight champion at just 21.

Going on to triumph in 50 of his 58 professional bouts -  before finally bowing out in 2005 - 'Iron' Mike's ultra-aggressive and ferocious style remains as legendary to fans to this day as any of his unprecedented career achievements.

Meanwhile, WBO, IBO, IBF and WBA (Super) champion Joshua, 29, on the other hand, is as famous for his level-headed and down to earth style outside the ring, as Tyson was for his brutality inside it.

That's not to say Joshua hasn't fostered a fearsome reputation for himself, however, with New Zealand's Joseph Parker remaining the only man ever to go toe-to-toe with the Watford fighter for a full 12 rounds. 

Fights with the sport's other big names have been few and far between for Joshua in recent years however, after purported fights with both Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder failed to materialise. 

Whilst fights with the current biggest names remain unlikely, an impossible dream fight with the Tyson of the past is certainly a spectacle that would have enthralled all - and is also something Tyson has considered. 

Speaking on the Hotboxin' Podcast, Tyson lavished praise upon AJ, before sending the imaginations of boxing fans around the world wild with his hypothetical showdown. 

"Hey, I really like him. You know what he is? He's a breath of fresh air. 

"He's really clean, he really looks clean, he's a clean guy, he's a clean fighter, he's a good puncher. You just wish the best for him.

"[On a fight with Joshua] I don't know. My ego says 'nobody would beat you'. But you look at him and... he just looks beautiful!

"He just looks like a fighter, you know? He looks like he was born to do what he has to do."

Joshua is set to face off against step-in Mexican opposition Andy Ruiz Jr in Madison Square Garden on June 1, after his initial opponent Jarrell 'Big Baby' Miller tested positive for multiple banned substances last month. 

Whilst much has been made about the aesthetic differences - and perceived gulf in class - between the two fighters, many within the sport see this as one of Joshua's biggest challenges to date.

Many have also claimed the experience of defending his titles in front of a non-home crowd will be vital to AJ's aim of conquering the whole division - a sentiment echoed by Tyson's final comments on the heir to his once-throne. 

"He needs more experience of course, but that will come in life."