The latest instalment of the tedious, ongoing exchange between Anthony Joshua and Carl Froch unfolded on Thursday when Froch made public a conversation they had had via WhatsApp.

“Me and Anthony Joshua had a little conversation yesterday,” the retired world super-middleweight champion started on his YouTube channel Froch On Fighting, alongside images of the conversation they had had.

“A little message back and forth. He was asked about the Cobra, Carl Froch. One word answer and what did he say? He called me a p****. P****? Me, I've never been a p****? I don't understand what it is. Obviously, Anthony Joshua doesn’t like me

“It s shame because we've got a lot of history together. I've got no problem with Anthony Joshua. I just try to be honest but my honesty seems to really upset people. Sometimes the truth hurts, but the truth also sets you free. I said that his fight against [Daniel] Dubois could be a close fight and I think that has upset him; got him angry.”

Joshua is to challenge the newly-crowned IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium on September 21. Froch, who in retirement has entered punditry, has often questioned the direction of Joshua’s career, and Joshua has often appeared to take Froch’s criticisms to heart, and equally often responded.

In the same video Froch proceeded to mock Joshua by showing a video of the heavyweight counting £20 notes. 

“He’s lost a bit of class,” continued Froch, who in retirement has been inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. “Where he went was, ‘It’s all about the money’. He thought he pulled an ace card by saying he’d earned more money than me. Where’s the humble guy gone? I really don’t think you’re all about the money. Maybe you are, maybe you’re spoiled.

“Let’s talk about levels in terms of legacy and wins. A little fat kid from Mexico [Andy Ruiz] made him quit for f***’s sake. He got punched from pillar to post. The referee’s looking at him and what’s he done? He’s quit on his feet. That is embarrassing. Something The Cobra would never ever do, and you can take that to the bank.”