AJ’s KO blow for Whyte bid
ANTHONY JOSHUA is not used to being booed by fans. But the darling of British boxing incurred their wrath after casting doubt on a rematch with Dillian Whyte.
Moments after watching Whyte knock out Derek Chisora, Joshua clambered into the ring to confront his rival.
But as Whyte demanded a shot at the heavyweight world champion at Wembley on April 13, Joshua (inset) reiterated his desire to instead fight Deontay Wilder.
What remained of the 19,000 sell-out O2 crowd voiced their frustration before Whyte stormed back to his dressing room.
He said: “Joshua was talking rubbish.
I’m not going to sit around and wait for him. I’m not going to waste three or four months of my career for him.
“There are fighters who sit around for two years waiting for the call, but I can’t do that.
“The clock is ticking. I’m 30 and I’m about to hit my prime,
I’ve got to plan my future.”
Whyte was KO’d by Joshua three years ago when they fought for the British title.
He had hoped subsequent victories over former world champions Lucas Browne and Joseph Parker would earn him another chance.
But instead he agreed to fight Chisora again, following their brutal brawl in 2016 which Whyte edged by a split decision.
Elbow
This time Whyte took matters into his own hands, delivering a brutal left hook to bring a conclusion to the rivalry in the 11th round.
Chisora was ahead on two of the judges’ scorecards going into the penultimate round but was then deducted a second point for leading with his elbow. Then Whyte sent him crashing to the canvas where he lay motionless.
He eventually rose unsteadily to his feet as Whyte said: “Everyone loves a knockout but I was worried for him, I thought he might not get back up. We talk a lot of smack but when he went down I was worried for him, he’s got family to go back home to.
“We’ve done nearly 23 rounds and you can’t do that with someone and not respect them. He’s very tough. But it’s my time now.”
That chance is still likely to come in the spring when Joshua defends his three world titles at the national stadium.
Promoter Eddie Hearn expects Wilder to fight Tyson Fury again following their controversial draw, leaving the path clear for Whyte. He said: “The priority is Wilder but I don’t believe that will happen. They are not showing a lot of willing.
“Dillian deserves a world title shot. He is approaching his prime and that’s the time to strike. We’ve got to sit down and see if there is a deal to be done for April.”