Three-time world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis has hit back at Anthony Joshua after being branded a 'clown' by the 29-year-old.Lewis and AJ's war of words began after the 53-year-old suggested AJ wasn't "fully prepared" prior to his shock defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr in New York a couple of months ago.Lewis went on to describe how he was able to avenge shock defeats during his career to Hasim Rahman and Oliver McCall, but doubted AJ's ability to do the same.Joshua didn't take kindly to Lewis' words, stating they are "cut from a different cloth".Joshua told Sky Sports: "Lennox is a clown. I don't respect Lennox.

"Me and Lennox are not the same. My legacy is to sit back and enjoy the younger generation coming up, and not to be involved.

“Just to appreciate what it takes to get there. Lennox isn't like that. Me and Lennox are cut from a different cloth."

The war of words continued after AJ claimed the thought of a lucrative undisputed showdown with Deontay WIlder caused him to take his eye off the ball, something Lewis claims he would never have struggled with.

Joshua said: "I'm not focusing on that any more.

"It was like I was coming to the end of my road already, worrying about undisputed.

"That undisputed stuff? It was right in front of me but it was one of the biggest curses lingering over my head when I was champion."

Lewis this morning responded to Joshua's claims and said he never had the same problems focusing.

Lewis said: "Wow! He’s right! We ARE cut from a different cloth.

"Undisputed wasn’t something I “worried” about. It was something I went after until it was accomplished!

Lewis went on to defend his initial comments and criticised AJ's response.

"Disappointed in AJ’s words but I understand that this “jealousy” narrative was only fabricated AFTER I criticised them for Wilder negotiations. All of the sudden I'm a hater."

Despite the back and forth between the two, Lewis insists he won't be pitted against AJ, sharing a tweet from last year where he complimented AJ's development.

Joshua will look to move past this and other criticism after the Ruiz fight, as he prepares for the planned rematch on December 7 in Saudi Arabia, despite Ruiz's claims the rematch must happen in the US.