Antonio Tarver enters the ring for his most recent bout

Antonio Tarver has told Dillian Whyte he plans to "shut him down" before moving on to challenge Anthony Joshua.

Former world champion Tarver (31-6-1-KO22) famously dethroned Roy Jones Jr as the king of the light-heavyweight division in 2003 and is now plotting a late-career renaissance in Britain as a heavyweight.

London's Whyte (17-1-KO14) was quick to respond to Tarver's initial challenge - threatening to "smash him to pieces" if and when the pair meet in the ring - but the American sees 'The Bodysnatcher' as merely a stepping stone to a shot at Joshua's world heavyweight title.

I'm trying to write the final chapter of my illustrious career and there's no better place to do that than the UK right now. Antonio Tarver

Tarver told Sky Sports: "I heard his interview. I have a lot of respect for Dillian Whyte. He found a great fight against Anthony Joshua, who's sitting on the top of the division and obviously Dillian feels confident in himself and his ability. I think the fight makes sense for me.

"I'll come over to the UK and let everybody know that I'm serious business about what I say and what I plan on accomplishing in the next year, and that's to become the oldest man to win the heavyweight world championship.

Dillian Whyte responds to Tarver's challenge Dillian Whyte responds to Tarver's challenge

"If I did that, I'd surpass the great George Foreman. If I won the title today, I'd surpass George by two years and that's why I get up in the morning.

"I want to come to the UK, shut Dillian Whyte down and get one step closer to Anthony Joshua."

Tarver (L) beat Roy Jones Jr twice

At the age of 47, Tarver has fought just twice since 2013 but is adamant that he still has a lot more to give.

He added: "It's the craziest thing. I'm getting old and I can't deny it but for some reason I'm not ageing. I still have my speed, timing, eyes and reflexes intact.

"You've never seen me outclassed, hurt or cut in a fight. I'm here and I'm still fresh. I can't explain it. It's not up to me to explain it. Talk to the man above. I'm just here living the dream.

Anthony Joshua is the longer-term goal for Tarver

"I need a rebirth and a new beginning. I'm trying to write the final chapter of my illustrious career and there's no better place to do that than the UK right now.

"When you look at my resume and everything I've achieved in and out of the ring, it's the perfect fit to come over there and see if I still have what it takes to compete at the highest of levels."