Joshua and Dillian Whyte are set to clash in a rematch at London's O2 Arena on August 12. The showdown marks their second encounter, following their first bout in 2015. Back then, a 33-year-old Joshua secured victory with a seventh-round knockout, seeking redemption for a previous loss to Whyte during their amateur days.
Since their initial meeting, Joshua has soared to greater heights, becoming a two-time world champion and an Olympic gold medalist. However, Whyte's journey has seen setbacks, including an unsuccessful world title challenge against Tyson Fury in 2022. Joshua, eager to maintain an active schedule this year, expressed his readiness for the fight and his determination to handle business.
The upcoming match holds significant weight for both fighters, as it serves as the decider in their long standing rivalry, which began with Whyte's victory over Joshua in their amateur clash in 2009. Following his recent win against Jermaine Franklin, Joshua aims to regain his winning momentum after consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk. Meanwhile, Whyte seeks to prove himself against his fierce opponent, having defeated Franklin as well in his last fight.
The fight agreement comes after negotiations, with both Joshua and promoter Eddie Hearn accepting Whyte's request to remove a rematch clause. Hearn expressed his astonishment that the fight was indeed happening, acknowledging the deep-rooted rivalry between the two fighters. With their records standing at 25 wins and 3 losses for Joshua, and 29 wins and 3 losses for Whyte, the stage is set for an explosive encounter.
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