Dillian Whyte will face undefeated American contender Jermaine Franklin on his highly anticipated return to the ring on Saturday, November 26 at the OVO Arena, Wembley, live worldwide on DAZN.
‘The Body Snatcher’ (28-3, 19 KOs) fell short in his challenge for Tyson Fury’s WBC Heavyweight World Title at Wembley Stadium in April, succumbing to a sixth-round stoppage defeat in front of over 90,000 fans.
Brixton’s big-hitting former Interim WBC Heavyweight World Champion, 35, is set to fight at the OVO Arena, Wembley for the first time in his career as he looks to kickstart his journey towards a second shot at world honours.
Michigan’s Franklin (21-0, 14 KOs) is unbeaten in 21 fights since joining the professional ranks in April 2015 and the 28-year-old will be fighting outside of the USA for the first time in his professional career when he meets Whyte over 12 rounds in London.
Once described as America’s next Heavyweight hope, Franklin ended a two-and-a-half-year layoff by stopping Houston’s Rodney Moore in five rounds at McBride Hall in Gary, Indiana in May to extend his perfect record.
An action-packed undercard sees fast-rising Ipswich Heavyweight Fabio Wardley (14-0, 13 KOs) clash with Nantwhich’s Nathan Gorman (19-1, 13 KOs) for the vacant British Title, former WBA Light-Heavyweight World Title challenger Craig Richards (17-3-1, 10 KOs) take on Latvian warrior Ricards Bolotniks (19-6-1, 8 KOs) in an exciting match-up at 175lbs and Derby’s Sandy Ryan (4-1, 2 KOs) challenge Mexico’s Magali Rodriguez (20-6-2, 9 KOs) for her WBC Silver Super-Lightweight Title.
"It's great to be back, doing what I love doing," said Whyte. "I can't wait to get into the ring and show the world that when push comes to shove I can get right back up in Wembley and remind everyone why I was WBC number one for over four years.
"As an undefeated Heavyweight, Franklin is a dangerous guy but I'm going to teach him quite a few lessons at the OVO on November 26. Most importantly, I'm going to teach him how to lose."
“I’m super hyped to fight in the UK,” said Franklin. “They love boxing and I plan on making a statement when I beat Dillian. I want them to be loud and love my boxing style and have them embrace me as the people’s champ. The world will see the real Jermaine Franklin Jr.
“Dillian is a warrior. He has heart and he’s been with the best. It’s time for him to step aside and let the ‘989 Assassin’ make him body number 22 on my body count. The kind of fight I expect is a brawl. Dillian wants to prove he’s got something left in the tank. I want to show him I’m the future of boxing and for USA Heavyweights.
“When I beat Dillian I want this victory to be followed with a title shot or a major fight to take me to the title. I’m like Holyfield. I’m a warrior. I’m from the hood. You have to take my heart and that will never happen in the ring. I have speed and power. I have no problem taking a punch to land my own. I am America’s next Heavyweight Champion.”
“I’m delighted to welcome one of the biggest stars in Heavyweight boxing Dillian Whyte to the DAZN platform,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “The Body Snatcher is hungrier than ever after falling short in his first ever World Title challenge earlier this year and he’s jumping straight back in at the deep end against a young and dangerous fighter in Jermaine Franklin. Expect Maximum Violence in an England vs. USA main event.