Anthony Joshua vs Dillian Whyte 2 announced Aug 12
Prepare for an epic showdown as Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte, two prominent British heavyweights, are set to renew their rivalry in a highly anticipated rematch. Mark your calendars for August 12, when these formidable fighters will go head-to-head at the illustrious O2 Arena in London. The clash will be broadcasted live on DAZN, giving fans worldwide a front-row seat to the action-packed event.
To witness this thrilling rematch, viewers will need to invest £26.99, slightly higher than the price of Joshua's previous bout against Jermaine Franklin. The chosen venue, the O2 Arena, holds special significance as it served as the battleground for their initial encounter back in December 2015.
In their first showdown, Joshua emerged triumphant, overpowering Whyte with a technical knockout in the seventh round. However, boxing enthusiasts believe that the upcoming rematch will provide a more closely contested battle, considering Joshua's current form and recent performances.
Joshua made his return to the ring in April after a seven-month hiatus, securing a unanimous decision victory over American heavyweight Franklin. This win marked a crucial milestone for AJ, as it ended his losing streak following back-to-back defeats to the reigning WBA, IBF, and WBO heavyweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk.
While the victory against Franklin was commendable, it didn't entirely convince everyone, as the fight went the distance, with the judges scoring it 118-111, 117-111, 117-111 in favor of the former two-time world champion. Post-fight, Joshua expressed his desire to face Deontay Wilder, but his promoter Eddie Hearn believed that another fight, under the guidance of new trainer Derrick James, would benefit AJ before taking on the Bronze Bomber.
Hence, negotiations commenced for a highly anticipated rematch with Whyte, scheduled for August. However, there are skeptics who perceive Whyte's career on a downward trajectory, supported by the fact that he suffered knockout losses in two of his last four fights against Alexander Povetkin and Tyson Fury.
Adding fuel to the fire, some even argue that Whyte should have lost his bout against Franklin, with the American himself claiming to have been "robbed" by the British judges. Nevertheless, despite earlier doubts due to financial terms, Joshua and Whyte have reached an agreement to settle their unfinished business in the ring this summer.
In June, promoter Eddie Hearn addressed the deal, acknowledging initial discrepancies in expectations but ensuring that negotiations progressed. He stated, "We made him an offer which they made it clear was nowhere near their expectations, and, quite honestly, there were very little negotiations after that." Hearn went on to reveal that Joshua's focus remains on a December showdown with Deontay Wilder, solidifying their commitment to the highly-anticipated clash.
With the Wilder fight on the horizon, it becomes crucial for Joshua to face an opponent who will provide a meaningful challenge, allowing him to hone his skills under the spotlight and implement the strategic guidance of trainer Derrick James. Therefore, the selection of Whyte as an opponent aligns with their objectives, as it avoids a quick one-round victory against a lesser-known opponent and prepares Joshua for the elite level competition that awaits him in the future.
Finesse Boxing
