Anthony Joshua has seemingly confirmed recent reports that he is set to face Dillian Whyte on August 12th at the O2 Arena, London, while Whyte’s representatives have also confirmed that there is no other fighter in the offering for the date in question.
Last month, Whyte took issue with various points in a fight proposal to face Joshua, which included financials totalling £ 3 million and a rematch clause in favour of Joshua. The rematch was ultimately the sticking point after Whyte, in a recent interview on Talksport radio, “accepted” all other terms and financials put to him and that he would agree to fight his British rival if the rematch clause was removed.
Last week in Sheffield, Eddie Hearn, who promotes both fighters, confirmed that an updated proposal had indeed been sent to Whyte, which had the rematch clause removed and had been reportedly signed and returned to Matchroom Boxing on Sunday (July 2nd).
The pair in 2015 famously squared off against each other in a British title thriller in which Joshua came out on top thanks to a seventh-round knockout against Whyte, who damaged his shoulder severely in the contest.
Joshua, who is preparing for the August 12th contest in Texas with his trainer Derrick James, said on his Youtube channel that his fight with Whyte will set him back on the right path towards a third world title reign.
“What am I doing this fight for (Whyte)? I want to become a three-time heavyweight champion of the world. I want to test myself,” he told his YouTube channel. “I’ve been through a lot and I want to see what I have left to give. When I say what I have left to give, I am not resting on what I have, I am building on what I have and I want to see how far I can take myself.
“I know what it takes, I know what this game is about and I’m going to push myself beyond the limits where I’ve been before, hence why I find myself in Dallas because I’m trying to find an environment that can stimulate me, motivate me and push me onto higher highs.”
Meanwhile, representatives of Whyte have also confirmed reports that Whyte has returned his fight agreement to Matchroom signed and that Whyte believes there are no other fighters in the offering to replace his sport to face Joshua on August 12th.
“Dillian returned the signed agreement on Sunday morning ET and that he is unaware of any other party being in the frame for the fight. He is looking forward to fighting Anthony Joshua for a second time on August 12th at The O2.”
