By Jack Tiernan: There is growing speculation on social media that Dillian Whyte is preparing to pull out of his fight with WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury due to his unhappiness at the 80/20 purse split.
Whyte (28-2, 19 KOs) and his promoter Eddie Hearn hasn’t said a word since they lost last Friday’s purse bid to promoters Frank Warren, Bob Arum, and Top Rank.
Initially, it was thought that Whyte’s silence was an indication that he was going to sulk and choose not to help out with the promotion of his title fight against the unbeaten Fury (31-0-1, 22 KOs), but it’s not believed by many fans that Dillian is going to pull out of the fight.
Is Whyte pulling out of fight?
Fans think that Matchroom Boxing promoter Hearn has a better deal for Whyte against either Anthony Joshua or Oleksandr Usyk, which would leave Fury high & dry, without a dance partner for his next fight.
It’s hard to believe that after years of complaining about not getting a title shot, Whyte would pull out of a fight after finally getting his wish to battle for a strap, but it could be happening.
It’s no secret that the 34-year-old Whyte is unhappy with the WBC over the purse split, as he wanted a split closer to 55/45 instead of the 80/20 split. His promoter Hearn isn’t happy either.
“It’s nothing to do with Matchroom. We’re dealing directly with [Dillian’s] team. It’s up to him. If he wants us to go through Matchroom, then we will. If we don’t have to, then we won’t,” said Frank Warren to Boxing Social on the Fury vs. Whyte fight. “That’s going to be up to Dillian.
“It’s a straightforward contract. It’s a purse bid, there’s no options. This is the fight, this is what you’re getting paid, as per the purse bid. This is where it’s at. Just be there,” Warren continued on the Fury vs. Whyte fight,” said Warren.
Assuming Whyte does choose to pull out of the title fight, Fury’s promoters Warren and Arum will need to scramble for an opponent for his next fight. Can they get Andy Ruiz Jr. to step in as a replacement for Whyte?
Warren hoping Dillian cooperates
“Hopefully, I hope, will help us promote the thing because it’s a great fight for the fans,” said Warren. “It’s going to be a big occasion. It’s going to be great for Tyson and great for Dillian to be involved in such a spectacle.
“It’ll be great for him to cooperate. I hope he does. I hope he behaves professionally as we will towards him. He’s strong, he’s tough and if you look at the background he’s coming from, he’s done exceptionally well,” Warren said of Whyte.
“He definitely has got a lot of self-belief, he can punch and he fancies the job with Tyson. He’s been sitting there for over 1000 days waiting for his opportunity. Well, he’s got it now, and here’s his chance to prove what he’s worth, what he’s got in the tank.
“He’s continually said he can beat Tyson. He obviously feels he’s seen some kind of chink in Tyson’s armor. He’s got his chance now to exploit it and get very well paid for it,” Warren said of Whyte.
“He’s [Fury] had one fight in the last two years. What do I think? I think Dillian is going to have a really tough fight, but he knows that better than anybody.
“Tyson, he knows this guy is coming to give him a tough fight, and you know these domestic big fights, there’s always something extra in them. Nothing is forgone. There are always twists and turns. You know Dillian is a warrior and he’s going to come to fight,” said Warren.