Anthony Joshua vs Dillian Whyte 2 – Who wins the rematch?
Heavyweight rivals Anthony Joshua (25-3, 22KO) and Dillian Whyte (29-3, 18KO) get set to renew and finally settle their rivalry on August 12 at the O2 Arena in London, with the score currently set at one apiece.
Whyte was the first man to beat Joshua in the amateurs in a small north London pub in 2009, but it was AJ who got his revenge six years later with a seventh round knockout at the O2 Arena in 2019.
So, who will get the decider in this epic trilogy? BBN asked their panel of experts for their expert views:
Derek Chisora British, Commonwealth & European heavyweight champion
“In the first two or three rounds, Dillian will cause a big commotion. AJ will bite his gumshield, and by round eight or nine, Dillian gets knocked out.”
Glyn Rhodes MBE Trainer / manager / former pro boxer
“I’m going for a points win for Anthony Joshua, very similar to the second Andy Ruiz fight by boxing and moving, possibly a late stoppage depending what Dilliann Whyte has left in the tank.”
Mark TibbsBoxing trainer
“Going to be a war, someone’s getting knocked out, and the winner is gonna be a man from London, in London O2…”
Tim RicksonBBN Editor
“Their first fight, back in 2015, was arguably the biggest British heavyweight title fight of all-time, or at least in my generation. The fight was explosive from the first bell. I can remember Joshua battering Whyte all over the ring in the opening rounds, he was wobbling from one side to the other, until he got caught with a Whyte left hook special in round two and it was his turn to buckle. AJ seemed to go quiet for a few rounds until his head cleared and then he took Whyte out in spectacular fashion in the seventh. That was the first time AJ fans saw any vulnerability in their hero.
“This time, I think the fight will be the exact opposite. Instead of an all-out firefight, I think it will be a bit more like a chess match. AJ has shown his desire to become a more well-rounded, skillful fighter with more than just power in his toolbox. He is now boxing behind a long jab, shifting his feet intelligently, and clearly learning a few tricks from his new trainer Derrick James and teammate Errol Spence Jr.
“Whyte has also evolved as a fighter, especially during his time under Mark Tibbs, and he ascended to No.1 heavyweight contender with the WBC for a long time. He knows he has the power to hurt AJ from their first fight and he has seen his rival get knocked out since. His best chance will surely be to get to AJ early; start fast and aggressive and try to get something through against a man who doesn't have a great punch resistance.
“AJ will likely begin behind his longer reach, keeping Whyte at the end of his jab, then gradually utilise more tools and variety as each round progresses. He and James will have a tight gameplan and, if employed perfectly, I can see AJ really dominating Whyte, like Fury did. But there could be some more hairy moments for AJ against such a big puncher, so if he gets caught even once, then everything could be ruined. But AJ is, and always has been, a better boxer than Whyte.
“Whyte has been knocked out by an uppercuts three times now – in rounds five, six and seven. I'm backing AJ to win via knockout in rounds 8-10.”
Rick RamosBoxing manager / trainer
“I think Dillian Whyte will come hard for the first 2 rounds, after that…. I think Joshua takes control and stops him within six rounds. Joshua can’t lose a fight to a guy like Whyte or else his career would be over.”
Arijan GorickiFeatherweight prospect
“My prediction is that Joshua will win via TKO in round nine. I think that Whyte's best days are behind him and he has suspect chin.”
Ben WinwardBBN Writer
“Both AJ and Dillian Whyte’s skillsets have come on leaps and bounds since their first (or second including the amateurs) meeting in 2015. Back then we were witness to two young, hungry brawlers, getting caught up in the mammoth occasion, going hell for leather for seven rounds and gameplans completely thrown out the window.
“Next week however, I believe we will see a much more tactical affair. As he did last time out against Jermain Franklin, and in reality ever since the first fight with Andy Ruiz, Joshua will be conservative with his attacks and vigilant in his defence, looking to keep the action at long range and exercising patience for the openings to present themselves. Whyte on the other hand, I can see looking to capitalise on Joshua’s cautiousness and jump on him early, which may actually be his best shot of getting the victory.
“Overall I just feel Anthony Joshua was back then, and still is now, the superior technical boxer. With Whyte trying to instigate a fight akin to their battle eight years ago in the early stages, I think if Joshua can see out the first few rounds and settle into his rhythm, he should be able to box his way to a points decision, overcoming a couple of hairy moments along the way. Similarly, if he can resummon his old killer instinct, I could also see AJ getting a late stoppage.”
Ben Day Former Southern Area lightweight champion
“This is a tough one, I think AJ is slightly better but I think he has lost it mentally especially after his two losses with Usyk. Losses affect your confidence, which in turn affects your performance, it showed also in his behaviour / outburst after the second Usyk fight and that’s worrying.
“Also he’s coming to the end of his career now and there’s a lot of miles on the clock so if you put all that together I’m edging Whyte. What I love about Whyte, that man doesn’t give two shits, he is mentally strong and all he wants to do is fight, I respect that big time.”
Uros DjikanovicBoxing manager & advisor
“I always love to see rematches in boxing. It gives excitement for the fans. I think this will be a much better fight then the first one back in 2015. I would love for Whyte to win and for us to see the third fight also, but with that being said I still think Joshua wins this fight.”
Anish ParekhBBN Writer
“Two guys with a history of bad blood that has already spilled over into the ring, combining once again to revisit their bad-tempered rivalry.
“Whilst there is no title on the line, the winner can make a case to challenge for world honours once again, but the loser is in a precariously vulnerable position in their career where fighting options at the elite level become slim and thoughts of retirement become realistic.
“Both men have looked past their best in their most recent outings but we can assume that they will arrive to the ring fully prepared and motivated to get one over on their rival. The question is, do they have the ability to execute their plan?
“Joshua's issues appear to be more mental than physical. He seems to question his ability and willingness to go through the rigours of a gruelling fight in the manner that he did early in his career.
“Whyte however, does seem to be somewhat shopworn and more flat-footed than ever but will represent some danger in those wild, winging hooks that he throws so viciously.
“AJ claims he still retains both passion and ambition to reach the pinnacle of the boxing world. Whether he can do that again is debatable but it should be enough to dismantle a plodding Whyte who I expect to walk into Joshua's heavy hands and give him and his critics the brutal knockout victory that they crave.”
John J. Raspanti Editor-Lead Writer www.maxboxing.com
“This is a good fight for Anthony Joshua. Sure, there are risks, but with risk comes reward.
“Dillian Whyte is tailor-made for Joshua. Whyte always comes to fight, and Joshua knocked him out in 2015.
“A springboard (confidence builder) to a (hopefully) big fight with Deontay Wilder.
“I think Joshua stops Whyte again after round seven.”
History of Violence – AJ vs Whyte 2 fight breakdown
How to watch AJ vs Whyte
Article sponsored by HÖRFA