Dillian Whyte wants three more fights against heavyweight king Anthony Joshua

It was the second fight between the pair, with the other coming in the amateurs with Whyte knocking Joshua out. Since a sole defeat to the unified heavyweight champion, Whyte has gone on to rack up impressive victories over former world champions Lucas Browne, Joseph Parker as well as two wins against Derek Chisora and Oscar Rivas. 

The pair were linked to a fight against each other in 2019 but negotiations fell through because of money. However, speaking to promoter Eddie Hearn on Instagram this week, Whyte revealed his intentions to set-up at least another two fights with Joshua.

 “I would like to fight Joshua another two or three times in my career,” Whyte said. “That fight would make you run extra miles, it would make you do everything correctly. He is just that guy that would make you go to bed that hour early.”

“It is good being world champion, but sometimes you need that extra kick,” he said. “He has got money, he [Joshua] has got world titles, so he wants challenges. Like ‘I know I have to be ready for Dillian, because Dillian is very dangerous’. He knows that.”

Whyte is currently training in Portugal after making a 40-hour trip across Europe from London. He’s expected to go toe-to-toe with Alexander Povetkin on May 2, although that could soon change following the postponements of bouts on the same night. 

The Brixton fighter spoke about his surroundings and the threat of his heavyweight tussle with Povetkin being called off.

“It’s quiet but there is food on the shelves and it is a good set up,” Whyte said. “Everyone is panicking but it is not as bad as at home.

“The mindset is my date isn’t cancelled. I’m a professional, so I’m training, try and stay positive. A lot of people look up to us professional athletes, so I try and post something positive every day, just to show that I am still training, I am still remaining strong.

“It is really important to show people in these times, as well as yourself, that you just get on with life as best as you can in these situations. It is easy just to panic and to shut down and then everything just stops. I just try and show as much positivity as I can.”

He’s promised Hearn that he’ll be fighting at his premium weight having came in at 271-pounds in his most recent fight against Mariusz Wach in Saudi Arabia.

“I’m going to get back down to my fighting weight” he said. “I’m lighter now than I was for the Saudi fight.

“As it stands I still have a long time until May 2. I’m not really worried. I should be in prime physical condition and I need to be against Povetkin, because he is an Olympic gold medallist, former world champion, he has only lost to two strong reigning world champions. The guy is technically good and he is awkward.

“Mariusz Wach is a tough guy but I knew I had what I enough to beat him regardless, but against this kind of guy, you have to train hard, you have to put in the time and come in in shape. I should come in 115 (kg), maybe 116 or 114. Last time I was 122.”

These days Whyte is a Box Office star in the UK but it hasn’t always been so easy for the 31-year-old. The heavyweight can share much of the anxiety current boxers are feeling with no fights taking place having experienced the grind himself. 

“I have been through every side of boxing. I have been on the losing side of boxing and on the way up selling tickets. It is very hard when you are an up and coming fighter and have to sell tickets and if you are not boxing there is no money coming in. It is difficult.

“I know exactly how these boys are feeling. It’s hard, but you have to just try to be professional and think of the long term goal, which is to become a better fighter. Take the time just to improve.”