Former heavyweight world title challenger Dillian Whyte has suffered a hand injury and pulled out of his April 5th British scrap against Joe Joyce for the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, England.
It would be a good idea not to fight someone too talented because Joyce’s career has suffered in the last two years, with him losing three out of his last four fights. If the replacement is remotely talented, that’ll be ‘The Juggernaut’ Joyce’s fourth defeat. What’s the point of having him headline?
Joyce’s Search
The 39-year-old Joyce (16-3, 15 KOs) will stay on the card, and they’re trying to fight someone to step in as a late replacement. However, the situation looks bleak regarding enlisting a noteworthy opponent. They can forget about getting Martin Bakole to be the replacement. After his blowout loss last month, he’s learned his lesson.
Viable Options
Tony Yoka
Moses Itauma
Dave Allen
Unsurprisingly, the 36-year-old Whyte (31-3, 21 KOs) has gone down with an injury because he looked in horrible physical condition in his last fight. He weighed 261 lbs and labored to a seventh-round stoppage against journeyman Ebenezer Tetteh on December 15th last year.
Changed by Cash?
Whyte hasn’t looked the same since getting knocked out in the sixth round by former WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury on April 23, 2022 in front of a large crowd at Wembley Stadium in London, England. Whyte’s take was a reported $7.4 million; ever since then, he’s rarely fought and looked poor. Is the money changing Dillian’s situation, or was it never that good?
Before Whyte became a rich bon vivant, he fought frequently, two to three times a year. He was a real go-getter who wanted all the smoke from the division’s killers. But after his massive money fight against Fury, he’s been rarely seen inside the ring.
Whyte’s Activity since 2022:
– Ebenezer Tetteh
– Christian Hammer: After a two-year layoff
– Jermaine Franklin: *Questionable 12-round majority decision
What changed with Whyte for him to fight so infrequently since the Fury fight? The only thing that jumps out at one is that the hunger is no longer there. If Whyte weren’t so wealthy, would he fight more often? I think so. Life is different for the rich.
A statement on Dillian Whyte vs Joe Joyce. pic.twitter.com/GLE3UgMRZc
— Queensberry Promotions (@Queensberry) March 4, 2025
Last Updated on 03/04/2025
