Whyte Questions Joshua's Performance and Looks to Future Rematch
In an interview with talkSPORT, Dillian Whyte expressed his confusion over Anthony Joshua’s recent performance against Daniel Dubois. The fight, held at Wembley Stadium, was a surprising turn for Joshua, who was knocked down four times before ultimately losing to Dubois. Whyte pointed out that this defeat raised several questions about Joshua's preparation and mindset leading up to the bout.
Whyte commented on the various factors contributing to Joshua's lackluster showing. While some analysts suggested that issues with Joshua's corner’s instructions played a significant role, others noted unusual behaviors from the former champion in the days leading up to the fight. Whyte emphasized that something seemed off, hinting at deeper issues that may need to be addressed as Joshua seeks to bounce back.
Adding to the complexity of the heavyweight landscape, Whyte discussed his mixed feelings about Deontay Wilder, stating, “I really hate Deontay Wilder, but I have been stopped by AJ. I have never been stopped by Wilder, so I’d still love to get that one back.” This sentiment underscores Whyte's desire to settle scores with both fighters, particularly as he remains hopeful about a future clash with Joshua.
The anticipation for a rematch between Joshua and Whyte has been building since their first encounter in 2015, where Joshua claimed victory. However, their planned rematch last year was thwarted by an adverse result in Whyte's drug test. Despite these setbacks, Whyte is optimistic about facing Joshua again, especially now that Joshua is in a rebuilding phase following the loss to Dubois.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, provided insight into the former champion's plans, revealing that Joshua is eager for a rematch with Dubois in February. However, minor physical issues could delay his return to the ring. Hearn explained that timing is crucial; for Joshua to fight Dubois in February, he would need to start training soon. Yet, Hearn also mentioned that Joshua might choose to wait for the outcome of Tyson Fury’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk on December 21 before making a decision on his next move. If Fury wins, a monumental clash between Joshua and Fury could be on the table for May, marking a potentially historic moment in the heavyweight division.
As the heavyweight landscape continues to evolve, Dillian Whyte remains patiently focused on the opportunity to rekindle his rivalry with Joshua. With both fighters at critical junctures in their careers, the coming months promise to deliver exciting developments that could reshape the future of heavyweight boxing.
