Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte were set to reignite their 2015 rivalry this year in an intriguing domestic heavyweight fight given where both men are in their careers.
‘AJ’ stopped Whyte back in 2015 after a tense build-up to win the British title and send himself on the way to world glory. Having since been dealt a few losses, the rematch looked likely for the former champion this year.
Confidence in the match-up has dwindled since the official offer was sent to Whyte, though, with Eddie Hearn now admitting that it is unlikely.
Asked by DAZN Boxing Show if Joshua would indeed be fighting on August 12, he provided an update on talks and pointed to financial demands as a potentially fatal sticking point.
“I don’t think it will be Dillian Whyte.”
“I just think talking about money and trying to find some middle ground, it’s difficult. Obviously [Whyte] has his perceived value in that fight, we have the number that we think is right, obviously AJ wants to get paid. It’s very difficult.”
I just don’t think financially – being completely honest – we can reach a deal with Dillian Whyte for that fight.”
Hearn recently confirmed to Boxing Social that he was in discussions with two other heavyweights for Joshua, although no names have been revealed as of writing.
Depending on who they are, the fight switches more from a domestic grudge match to a run-out for ‘AJ’ and trainer Derrick James to get more acquainted in the ring.
It’s clear all eyes are on a Deontay Wilder fight in Saudi Arabia at the end of the year, the negotiations of which Hearn says are ‘absolutely’ going well.
“When Prince Khalid and those guys tell me it’s done, it’s happening, I believe them. I didn’t believe them at first for the Andy Ruiz fight [2019] but I quickly realised that these guys are real, and we hope to get, contractually, everything signed off in the next one-to-two weeks.”
The promoter is still of the opinion that a fight before then will be beneficial for his charge, so fans can still expect to see Joshua out August 12.