Dillian Whyte Backs Anthony Joshua for Jake Paul Bout, Eyes Revenge Against Moses ‘The Terminator’ Itauma

Dillian Whyte Weighs In: Joshua vs. Paul a Smart Business Move, But Rematch Still on His Mind

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – As speculation swirls around a potential fight between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul, heavyweight contender Dillian Whyte has offered a pragmatic take: if the money is right, Joshua should take the fight. Though, Whyte insists his own rivalry with Joshua remains a priority.

Whyte, 37, is preparing for a significant challenge of his own, facing Moses Itauma in Saudi Arabia on Saturday. Despite being the clear underdog, Whyte remains focused, while also observing the shifting landscape of the heavyweight division.

“It’s a business, man,” Whyte told BBC Sport. “If [Joshua v Paul] makes sense and does numbers, why not? [Joshua] has won the championship twice, had a lot of fights and done a lot. I’m sure he’ll make more money than he did in some of his title fights so sometimes if you can make some money then make some money.”

The potential Joshua-Paul bout has gained traction in recent weeks, fueled by Paul’s relentless pursuit of a fight with the former two-time heavyweight champion. While some purists dismiss the matchup, the financial incentives are undeniable.

However, for Whyte, the past isn’t quite settled. He reflects on his 2015 loss to Joshua for the British title – a fiercely contested fight that remains a talking point in British boxing. A scheduled rematch in 2023 fell apart after Whyte returned a positive drug test, a result he vehemently contested and was later cleared of wrongdoing.

“I would love to have a chance to right my wrong,” Whyte stated, clearly indicating his desire for a second opportunity against Joshua.

The Evolving Landscape of Boxing and Crossover fights

Whyte’s comments highlight a growing trend in boxing: the increasing acceptance of crossover fights. The involvement of platforms like YouTube and social media has broadened the audience for the sport,but also sparked debate about the integrity of the competition. While traditionalists may balk at the idea of a boxer like joshua facing a newcomer like Paul, the potential revenue and exposure are challenging to ignore.

The Joshua-Paul scenario also underscores the financial pressures facing top-level boxers. The pursuit of lucrative opportunities,even outside of traditional championship routes,can be a compelling strategy for maximizing earnings and extending careers.

What strategic adjustments could Anthony Joshua make to capitalize on Dillian Whyte’s assessment of Jake Paul’s boxing limitations?

Joshua vs. Paul: Whyte’s Prediction and the Shifting Boxing Landscape

Dillian Whyte has publicly thrown his support behind Anthony joshua in a potential showdown wiht Jake Paul, a fight that continues to dominate boxing headlines. Whyte believes Joshua possesses the skillset and experience to overcome Paul’s unconventional approach. This backing comes amidst ongoing speculation about Joshua’s next move following his recent victories, and the increasing influence of influencer boxing.

Whyte’s Assessment: Whyte highlighted Joshua’s professional boxing pedigree as a key advantage. He stated that while Paul is a shrewd self-promoter and has improved, he lacks the basic boxing foundation of a seasoned Olympian and former world champion like Joshua.

The Jake Paul Factor: The rise of Jake paul and his ability to generate massive pay-per-view numbers has undeniably altered the boxing landscape. His fights against former MMA stars like Nate Diaz and Ben Askren have drawn meaningful attention, blurring the lines between traditional boxing and entertainment.

Potential Fight Date & Location: Rumors currently point towards a potential fight in early 2026, with Saudi Arabia being a frontrunner for the location, given its increasing investment in high-profile boxing events.

Whyte’s Unfinished Business: The Itauma Rematch

Beyond the Joshua-Paul discussion, Dillian Whyte remains fixated on securing a rematch with Moses ‘The Terminator’ itauma. Their first encounter in 2023 ended in a shocking second-round knockout for Itauma, a result that Whyte has consistently disputed, citing a shoulder injury sustained during the fight.

Analyzing the First Fight: Whyte vs. Itauma

The initial bout was a major upset. Itauma, significantly younger and less experienced, dismantled Whyte with a powerful left hook.

Controversy Surrounding the Injury: Whyte maintains the shoulder injury severely hampered his ability to defend himself and execute his game plan. post-fight scans reportedly confirmed a partial dislocation, tho the extent of the injury and its impact on the outcome remain debated.

Itauma’s Rise: Moses Itauma has quickly become a name to watch in the heavyweight division. His power and aggressive style have earned him a growing fanbase and positioned him as a legitimate contender.

Whyte’s Determination: Despite the setback, Whyte is adamant about proving he is the better fighter. He views a rematch as crucial to restoring his reputation and continuing his pursuit of a world title.

The Path to a Rematch: Negotiations and Potential Opponents

securing a rematch with Itauma won’t be easy.itauma’s team is likely to demand a significant purse, and Whyte will need to remain active and demonstrate his continued competitiveness.

Negotiation Hurdles: Matchroom Boxing, Whyte’s promoter, will need to navigate complex negotiations with Itauma’s representatives. Financial terms and the fight’s location will be key sticking points.

potential Interim Fights: To stay relevant and build momentum, Whyte is likely to take on interim opponents. Names circulating include contenders like Joe Joyce (should Joyce recover fully from his recent injuries) and potentially a rematch with Derek Chisora, a long-standing rival.

Itauma’s Future: Itauma is currently focused on building his record and potentially challenging for a world title eliminator. A rematch with Whyte would be a high-profile, lucrative opportunity, but Itauma’s team may prioritize a path to a title shot against established champions like Oleksandr Usyk or Tyson Fury.

The Impact of Social Media and Influencer Boxing

The increasing influence of social media and the rise of influencer boxing are fundamentally changing the dynamics of the sport. Jake Paul’s success has demonstrated the power of leveraging a large online following to generate interest and revenue.

Increased Fan Engagement: Social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) allow fighters to connect directly with fans, bypassing traditional media outlets.

New revenue Streams: pay-per-view sales, sponsorships, and merchandise revenue are all boosted by the increased visibility provided by social media.

The Debate Over legitimacy: Critics argue that influencer boxing dilutes the integrity of the sport and prioritizes entertainment over genuine competition. Though, proponents contend that it attracts a new audience to boxing and generates much-needed revenue.

Whyte’s Training Regimen and future Strategy

Dillian Whyte is known for his relentless training ethic and dedication to improving his skills.He’s currently working with a new strength and conditioning coach, focusing on enhancing his power and endurance.

* Focus on Strength and conditioning: The shoulder injury suffered in the Itauma fight highlighted the importance of robust physical conditioning. Whyte is prioritizing exercises designed to