Dillian Whyte revealed that he told heavyweight contender Moses Itauma to calm down and “relax” during the face-off today when he started getting “hyped up.”
A Submissive, Passive Demeanor
Whyte (31-3, 21 KOs) says Itauma (12-0, 10 KOs) asked him if he was a “wolf or a sheep.” Dillian’s response to the question suggested he was a sheep, as he repeatedly told him to “chill.” Whyte looked docile, cowed, and utterly submissive in front of Itauma. It was hard to watch.
Fans could tell from watching Whyte’s body language on stage that he was showing appeasement to the 20-year-old Itauma, appearing passive and weak. It looked nothing like the aggressive Whyte from the past. That person was gone.
In its place was a submissive fighter, ready to roll over on Saturday night in their 12-round headliner on DAZN PPV at the ANB Arena in Riyadh. Queensberry chose the right opponent for Itauma to fight because the 37-year-old Whyte looks like he’s lost the spark that he once had. Hopefully, he gets a big payday out of the fight.
“He’s young, starting to get nervous, and getting a bit hyped up. I said, ‘Relax, bro. In less than 48 hours, we’re going to put hands on each other. Just relax,'” said Dillian Whyte to talkSport Boxing, revealing what he said to Moses Itauma during their face-off today at the final press conference.
Whyte should have shown some backbone and stood on his hind legs to show Itauma that he wasn’t going to get walked on by him. Age has taken its toll on Dillian, leaving the timid person we saw today at the final press conference.
The “Wolf or Sheep” Question
“I said, ‘You’re not a bad man. The bad man thing is not for you. I’m not trying to go down that lane, but if you want it, then cool. I’m trying to be cool and respectful.’ He said, ‘Yeah, I want to see if you’re a wolf or a sheep.‘ I said, ‘Bro, take it easy. You don’t want me to wail on all of his team. I don’t care,” said Whyte.
Itauma’s remark was like dialogue out of the Burt Reynolds movie, ‘Deliverance.’
“Everyone is at risk. I’ll beat them all up. I don’t give a f***. I’m chilling until people start me,” said Whyte.
