What Next For Dillian Whyte? And Other Boxing Ramblings

Dillian Whyte has proved himself worthy of a world title shot after Saturday’s six round demolition of Lucas Browne. This systematic destruction has raised the distinct possibility of a big money showdown with Deontay Wilder, surely the only course of action. Whyte v Wilder could act as a de facto semi-final for a Christmas battle with Anthony Joshua to control all four heavyweight belts.

Here’s a quick catch up on the heavyweight division: Anthony Joshua [20-0, 20 KOs] seeks to add Joseph Parker’s [24-0, 18 KOs] WBO world title to his IBF and WBA belts. Parker is somewhat unknown in Britain and the consensus expects Joshua to cruise it, Bet365 currently have 6/1 odds for a Parker win.

Meanwhile, Dillian Whyte [23-1, 17KOs] crushed the 38-year-old, yet undefeated Lucas Browne, winning with a powerful left hook that sent the Australian spilling to the canvas.

Whyte was dominant, fulfilling a promise that has often been hinted at, most notably during his lone defeat to Anthony Joshua. Since then Whyte’s game has matured, his measured approach was reliant on tight defence, clever counters and an insurmountable nine-year age difference.

Whyte retains his WBO Silver Heavyweight Title, it doesn’t mean much but the belt adds legitimacy to world title ambitions. He’s the number one rated challenger, hopefully that means Deontay Wilder is next.

Wilder is the final character in this excellent cluster of heavyweight fighters, his record is equally impressive, [40-0, 39 KOs]; and has been entrenched as WBC world champion since 2015. Wilder lacks the familiarity of Joshua, even in his own country if Eddie Hearn is to be believed:

“There are two fights I want Dillian to have: against Anthony Joshua and WBC champion Deontay Wilder.’ – Eddie Hearn

Post-fight Hearn said he won’t let Joshua fight Wilder this summer and that it makes sense for Whyte to face the Bronze Bomber first. Whyte has built his profile with this win, headlining a show at the O2, which was broadcast live on HBO.

This feels like a historic time for the prestigious division, with an elite crop of talent aiming to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the world since Lennox Lewis in 2000. Everything is leading into a massive unification fight, but it’s unclear who will feature.

Whyte might prefer a rematch with Joshua and remains the only opponent to rattle the Watford man. I can’t see it happening yet. Matchroom will play the long game, their ideal scenario: Whyte takes Wilder’s belt and Sky Box Office air Joshua v Whyte II to unify the division. Don’t rule this out.

Wilder needs to have his profile raised before Hearn lets him in the ring with his golden goose. Whyte v Wilder in the summer would be a great teaser fight and get both fighters in front of a massive audience. Hearn will earn much more if the American gains half as much familiarity as Dillian Whyte has in Britain.

Also, it looks like Dereck Chisora is still floating about. A couple years ago I watched him fight at his flabbiest, as he wheezed to a points win over some joker named Marcelo Luiz Nascimento. Chisora, 34, is hanging around just long enough to lose in another big fight, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a rematch with Tyson Fury.

Whyte looks primed for a world title shot. Despite Eddie Hearn’s smarmy wideboy act, he’s built Matchroom into an internationally recognised stable of top British talent. Whyte v Wilder needs to happen this year, hopefully the bureaucracy won’t stop what should be an epic encounter.