Dillian Whyte believes that Joseph Parker has not been the same fighter since losing to him and insists Derek Chisora is a tough night’s work for anyone ahead of their showdown on Saturday night at the AO Arena.
Chisora and Parker meet in Manchester, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN worldwide, over 18 months after their scheduled meeting in October 2019 was scuppered due to the latter suffering the effects of an infamous spider bite.
Whyte survived a late onslaught to beat Parker by unanimous decision, having become the first person to have knocked down the New Zealander and shared two frantic battles with Chisora, stopping his former bitter rival in emphatic fashion in their rematch.
The 33-year-old feels Parker has declined since losing to him, despite four successive victories and believes Chisora, who was beaten after a spirited effort against Oleksandr Usyk in October, is difficult to beat if the has the right mindset.
“Derek Chisora finds a way of coming back, because people challenge him, thinking he could be an easy fight and then he shows up and he surprises a lot of people,” Whyte told Sky Sports.
“Parker since he fought me, he hasn’t been the same, and he hasn’t fought any top guys. But he still talks, ‘I want the rematch, I want this and that.’
“I beat you last time when I had a broken rib and a broken hand, and a bad chest infection. I bullied you around the ring.
“He’s a young guy, he’s tough, he can take a punch, but it seems like he hasn’t got so much drive any more.
“With Chisora, we know that when he’s motivated and he gets his head right and he trains right, he’s a problem for anyone.
“Hopefully he does well, but I don’t care. Whoever wins, it’s good for me. The more heavyweights at the top, the better it is. I’m sure the winner will call my name again, but let’s see what happens.
‘The Body Snatcher’ reclaimed his WBC interim Heavyweight title with a fourth round stoppage of Alexander Povetkin in their rematch in Gibraltar in March, having suffered a shock fifth round knockout loss in August.
Whyte is set to fight in the USA in the summer, as his wait for a maiden world title shot continues with unified WBA ‘Super’, WBO and IBF world champion, Anthony Joshua finalising a deal with WBC titlist, Tyson Fury for a two-fight deal.
The Brixton man believes there are two outcomes between his former rivals on Saturday.
“Chisora by knockout or Parker on points,” Whyte added.
“If Derek turns up properly and he’s motivated, he’s a hard night’s work for anyone.
“I beat him twice and knocked him out badly the second time, but he’s a hard night’s work. He’s no chump.
“Parker is tough, and he’s got fast hands and a decent work-rate, so yes there’s a high possibility that he can win on points.”
