In a recent development, Dillian Whyte has accused heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, of avoiding a rematch with him. Whyte is putting pressure on Joshua to sit at the table to discuss their much-awaited rematch. The two previously fought in 2015, where Joshua secured a knockout victory over Whyte in the seventh round.
Whyte is eager to settle the score and was promised a chance to fight Joshua after winning a close points win over Jermaine Franklin in November 2022. However, Joshua opted to fight Franklin and secured a tough twelve-round decision over him in April.
It was expected that Joshua and Whyte would face each other in the summer, but Joshua’s camp is planning a December showdown with former WBC champion Deontay Wilder in Saudi Arabia. There is also tension between the two boxers on the management front.
As Joshua manages Olympian Frazer Clarke, he pressed for his man to get a mandatory shot at the British heavyweight champion Fabio Wardley, who is managed by Whyte. However, when the bout was heading towards a purse bid, Clarke was unexpectedly removed from the fight, leaving Whyte frustrated.
Whyte claims that Joshua’s team is making excuses and talking up other fights instead of making the rematch happen. He further claims that Joshua is afraid of taking the fight and has lost his confidence.
Despite the tension, Whyte remains eager for the rematch and believes that it would be an “absolutely huge event.” He is hopeful that Joshua will step up and take the risk to face him in the ring.
