THE PREDICTION
The winner of Whyte vs Parker will be in prime position for a world title shot. Paul Wheeler predicts the outcome
Who we think is going to win the heavyweight clash, and why
DATE: Saturday July 28 VENUE: O2 Arena, Greenwich DISTANCE: 12 rounds PROMOTER: Matchroom Boxing TELEVISION: Sky Sports Box Office
THE CASE FOR WHYTE
ALTHOUGH Joseph Parker became the first man to take Anthony Joshua the distance in their world heavyweight title unification clash four months ago, there was never a time during the fight when Joshua seemed rattled or in trouble. In fact, when the contest started to drift away from Parker in the second half, the New Zealander failed to raise his game and move up the gears in pursuit of victory. Conversely, when Dillian Whyte fought Joshua – albeit a less experienced version – in December 2015, the Brixton man could not be accused of lacking aggression. Despite eventually being halted, Whyte had Joshua reeling early on, before going out on his shield in the seventh round.
The week before Parker, 24-1 (18), was unanimously outscored by Joshua, Whyte put in a career-best performance to wreck Lucas Browne’s unbeaten record with a highlight-reel sixth-session knockout. Against Browne, Whyte, 23-1 (17), established that there is more to his approach than wild power shots. Exhibiting educated boxing and a brilliant long jab, the Jamaica-born 30-year-old broke his rugged rival down with clumping combinations to head and body, before a colossal left hook definitively brought matters to a close in sensational style. Whyte’s 71 per cent KO ratio may be one per cent less than Parker’s, but the greater one-punch potency belongs to the Londoner.
Whyte – who is supremely self-assured in his own abilities – will take even more confidence from the fact that Parker was befuddled and outboxed at times during his majority points wins over then-undefeated contenders Andy Ruiz Jnr (December 2016) and Hughie Fury (September 2017). In past outings, the Kiwi has been guilty of holding his right hand low on occasions. Doing so against Whyte would be extremely dangerous, considering the force that Dillian possesses in his left hook.
The two heavyweights may be billed as the same height (6ft 4ins), but Whyte is the naturally bigger man in terms of sheer size (he weighed 254lbs last time out, compared to Parker’s 236 1/2lbs). Despite his substantial bulk, Whyte lets his hands go freely and regularly, especially booming rights over the top and hurtful uppercut-hook combos. Furthermore, versus Browne, he covered up effectively when under attack, though these instances were few and far between.
THE CASE FOR PARKER
WHILE Whyte’s considerable mass aids him in terms of strength and power, he was visibly blowing at times against Browne, which suggests it requires substantial effort to maintain the high tempo he generally likes to operate at. The word ‘generally’ is key here, as it is not always the case that he unloads punches relentlessly. True, he went hell for leather during his thrilling grudge war with the durable Dereck Chisora in December 2016 (w sd 12). However, just over 10 months later against the towering Robert Helenius, he looked largely sluggish and one-paced in registering an uneventful unanimous verdict triumph.
As stated previously, Whyte dragged Joshua into deeper waters than Parker did in their respective fights. On the other hand, it is important to note that while Dillian was dropped and stopped by “AJ”, Parker was never in any major distress against the heavyweight king – a knockout did not seem likely. This is no real surprise when you consider that the 26-year-old former WBO champ has never been floored in his life – as an amateur, as a pro, or in sparring. As well as boasting one of the best chins in the business, he has an innate toughness to go with this, which he displayed against Joshua.
In addition to illustrating his grittiness in the Joshua matchup, Parker also proved that he is a composed and intelligent mover who has a solid defence. His technique and shot selection were impressive in the fight – perhaps a reflection on his successful career in the unpaid ranks, during which he medalled at both the Youth Olympics (silver) and the Youth Worlds (bronze). In contrast to Parker’s 66 amateur bouts, Whyte only competed six times in a vest, although he did have extensive experience as a high-level kickboxer beforehand. The pair have contested a similar number of rounds as professionals (Whyte 110, Parker 135), but Joseph is more seasoned at world class – as well as Joshua, Fury and Ruiz, he has also shared a ring with the respected Carlos Takam, whom he unanimously outpointed in May 2016.
Facing off against a Brit on away turf is nothing new for Parker, as this weekend will mark the third fight in a row that he has done so. He certainly showed little signs of nerves or trepidation when coming up against Joshua in front of a crowd of around 80,000. The Aucklander seemed to be Joshua’s equal over the first six rounds, before losing ground. He nonetheless demonstrated a good variety to his work, as he put his punches together well in the earlier sessions. Mobile, fit and fleet of foot, Parker is comfortable when on the move or pressing the action with his fast, accurate fists. His snappy jab – connecting both upstairs and down – is an underrated weapon.
THE VERDICT
A SAVAGE and in-form puncher, Whyte has the potential to cause his opponent lots of problems with his lengthy jab and fierce combinations. However, Parker’s clever movement can help him to steer clear of serious danger, while his quick and busy hands rack up enough points to secure a close decision.