Dillian Whyte is well aware of the experience of facing Anthony Joshua in the ring. The two have been rivals for many years, with their animosity tracing back to their amateur days, where they first met in 2009. In that encounter, Whyte handed Joshua his inaugural defeat. 

Their paths crossed again in December 2015 during a significant professional match for the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles, both entering the ring undefeated. The atmosphere was charged with tension and rivalry, as Whyte aimed to demonstrate that his earlier victory over Joshua was no mere coincidence. 

The fight concluded dramatically, with Joshua securing a knockout victory in the seventh round via a powerful uppercut, although he experienced being wobbled for the first time in his career. 

Discussions of a rematch lingered for years, and one was finally scheduled for August 2023. However, Whyte was removed from the event after failing a drug test. 

Joshua has since moved forward and is set to compete this weekend against Daniel Dubois, with the opportunity to become a three-time heavyweight champion. 

In an interview with talkSPORT Boxing, Whyte evaluated Dubois’ prospects and cautioned the 27-year-old that he cannot afford to absorb as many right hands from Joshua as he did in his previous fight against Filip Hrgovic. 

“This is an exciting matchup. Dubois is entering this fight in a different position compared to his last one. In his previous bout, Hrgovic had the upper hand in sparring, yet Dubois managed to turn the tables in the actual fight. Now, it seems that Daniel has had the upper hand in sparring against ‘AJ,’ but I hope he doesn’t become overconfident. He must avoid standing in front of ‘AJ’ and taking too many right hands, or he risks being knocked out.”

Whyte, who has participated in one bout since the cancellation of his trilogy with ‘AJ’, drew a comparison between the striking abilities of both fighters and forecasted a closely contested match.

“‘AJ’ is known for his powerful punches, but he excels at delivering sharp combinations. In contrast, Daniel tends to be more deliberate and methodical in his approach, utilizing clubbing punches. However, with 10oz gloves, any fighter weighing over 15 stone possesses significant knockout power. I genuinely believe this is a true 50-50 fight.”

Dubois will be making his first defense of the IBF title in this matchup, which is set to occur before a record audience at Wembley Stadium.