Anthony Joshua has admitted former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson would have destroyed him in a fight.

The Brit star, 27, claimed the American heavyweight would have been far too good for him had they been active at the same time.

Tyson was the unified, undisputed heavyweight champion of the world and to this day is regarding as one of the all-time greats.

On “Iron Mike”, Joshua said: “Mike Tyson would have battered me.

“There was no way I could have taken on that guy. I would have taken that pay cheque.

“You know what I done against Klitschko in that sixth round when I took that dive? I’m joking.

“I would have taken a dive against Tyson. He was a beast.

“I give all credit and respect to Tyson. Even though Tyson is going on like 50 now, I still remember Tyson as the young, young 21-year-old.

“He was that good and made such an impact in the sport of boxing.”

Joshua is just kicking off his career as a champion after his thrilling win over Wladimir Klitschko in April to add the WBA belt to his IBF title.

The Briton has been dubbed the man to dominate the division, but is clearly unsure of how he would have fared alongside Tyson.

Joshua is currently lining up his next fight, with Ukrainian ace Klitschko weighing up his options.

Should the pair go through with a rematch, the 20,000-capacity T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas is being eyed up, with November 11 the expected date.

If, however, Klitschko opts against the fight, Deontay Wilder could be a potential opponent for Joshua.