Whyte Says Wilder Fight Makes Sense but Joshua Is Moving Too Soon

Whyte says Joshua beats Wilder but questions a quick return after recent personal loss and upcoming plans

Dillian Whyte backed Anthony Joshua to stop Deontay Wilder but questioned whether the fight should happen next. He pointed to Joshua’s recent personal loss and suggested more time may be needed before taking a high-risk bout.

Whyte pointed to Wilder as the natural opponent following Joshua’s December win, describing it as the fight that “makes sense” from both a sporting and commercial standpoint, while backing Joshua to win if it happens.

“I would love it, but no one’s mentioned it to me, and I don’t know about it. And AJ is probably most likely looking to fight Deontay Wilder now. It’s the fight that makes sense,” said Whyte to Sky Sports.

“If AJ fights Wilder, he will sell, and he will knock Wilder out, I think.”

At the same time, Whyte questioned whether Joshua should be stepping into a high-risk fight so soon, especially with a separate clash against Tyson Fury still expected later this year.

“The Tyson Fury fight, run that fight and see what his mind is, see his mentality. They’ve been through a lot lately. I personally think he’s getting back in the ring too soon.”

The concern, Whyte explained, is not about ability but Joshua’s mental state after the car accident that resulted in the deaths of two close friends.

“I think he needs some more time to digest and break down what’s happening. Because what’s happening to him is a heavy loss.”

“You think, if you’re in a car crash with two random strangers and they die, it will be heavy. Imagine your best friends, your family, it’s a heavy loss.”

A fight with Wilder would likely draw major attention, but it would also test Joshua at a time Whyte believes he may still be dealing with more than just boxing.