This Saturday will pit two rising undefeated heavyweights in Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte in a highly anticipated British showdown, with two hard hitters who have been on a virtual collision course for sometime now. Their journey to this common destination could not have been more different though.
Whyte bested Joshua in the amateur ranks six years ago, sparking a bitter rivalry between these powerful Brits. Joshua would go on to win Olympic gold in 2012. Joshua’s muscular physique and highlight reel knockouts have made him a quick sensation, as he’s been touted as the potential heir apparent in the division.
Whyte is a former professional kickboxer and two-time British heavyweight kickboxing champion, claiming both the British Super Heavyweight and European K1 titles. Whyte’s early pro boxing career was temporarily derailed by a 2-year drug suspension but he has since rebounded very well with consecutive brutal stoppages. Whyte has been sensational in each outing and rightfully deserves a crack at Joshua’s British crown as well as the opportunity to supplant him as the division’s next dominant force.
With so much at stake, let us take a closer look at the combatants.
[tabs type=”horizontal”][tabs_head][tab_title]Anthony Joshua[/tab_title][tab_title]Dillian Whyte[/tab_title][/tabs_head][tab]
- Record: 14-0-0 (14 Kos)
- Height: 6’6”
- Notable Victories: TKO1 Gary Cornish, TKO2 Kevin Johnson, TKO1 Michael Sprott, TKO2 Denis Bakhtov, TKO2 Matt Skelton
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- Record: 16-0-0 (13 Kos)
- Height: 6’4”
- Notable Victories: KO3 Brian Minto, KO4 Beka Lobjanidze, KO2 Marcelo Luiz Nascimento, TKO3 Kamil Sokolowski, TKO3 Tomas Mrazek, TKO2 Ante Verunica
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Preview & Analysis
Despite the fact that some bookmakers have made Joshua a heavy favorite, Whyte is by far his sternest test. The man nicknamed “The Villian” has concussive punching power, ring IQ and a mean streak to match his natural fighting abilities. I’m particularly struck by how relaxed Whyte appears inside the ring and the crude manner by which, he goes about breaking his opponents down.
Whyte also seems to possess a decent chin as evidenced by the heavy shots he took from Nascimento without flinching only to pummel him into submission in the 2nd round. Perhaps Whyte’s greatest asset is that he has no fear of Joshua and is supremely confident. The Jamaican-born heavyweight might be the consensus underdog but he is a very live one with a real puncher’s chance.
The meteoric rise of Anthony Joshua (aka AJ) has been nothing short of impressive. Thus far, the 26-year-old has lived up to his lofty billing as one of Great Britain’s finest boxing prospects since turning pro in 2012. AJ is a devastating puncher, who matches raw power with surprising precision. The Olympian has solid fundamentals and exudes the right temperament and swagger befitting of a future world champion.
He’s won all 14 previous contests in convincing fashion and only two opponents have extended him beyond the 2nd round. Most notably, that win column includes a one-sided thrashing Kevin Johnson. The wily veteran was expected to be a big step up for AJ, having previously gone toe-to-toe with Vitali Klitschko and Tyson Fury. However, Johnson had no answers for the young Watford man.
I have great respect for both men but it irks me how Whyte has carried on about their amateur bout and used it to brand AJ as “fake” and “boring.” Some perspective is needed here as the viral video is hard to watch and a poor indicator of the great progress that these fighters have made since then. Both fighters can be seen throwing caution to the wind as they swing wildly with no fear of being countered.
AJ only started boxing the year prior at 18 and had not yet come into his “man strength”. By comparison, Whyte was already a fairly established kickboxer making this fight a mismatch of sorts. Of course Whyte’s trash talking is a brilliant strategy to help promote the fight and get under his opponent’s skin.
Joshua vs. Whyte Prediction
It is almost a foregone conclusion that one of these fighters will not see the final bell. Whyte will have to back up his pre-fight bravado and make Eddie Hearn regret his decision to match AJ against a lethal puncher. AJ will have an unprecedented opportunity to exact sweet revenge against an old foe and add another important name to his growing resume.
Perhaps the biggest fight for AJ on this night will be the one taking place in his head. He must be prepared for Whyte’s verbal assault and not let his rival take him off his game. Odds are fairly certain that Whyte will attempt to lure Joshua into a slugfest with his antics where he can unleash his own heavy artillery.
I see the first round or two as relatively uneventful as both fighters feel each other out. AJ will work behind a stiff jab to neutralize Whyte’s forward motion. Whyte doesn’t waste punches and will remain dangerous throughout as he patiently looks for openings to land a big overhand right over the jab. AJ will use his underrated defensive skills to slip out of harm’s way and continue to pile on points using his superior athleticism and speed.
Whyte is not a hard man to hit but his handlers have exacerbated that chink by not properly teaching him to tighten his guard against straight punches delivered down the middle. It is a lesson that will prove costly against a sniper like AJ.
Prediction: Anthony Joshua TKO5
