Dillian Whyte, has weighed in on Anthony Joshua’s recent announcement that he won’t be returning to the ring until December.
Joshua made his comeback at the beginning of April, beating Jermaine Franklin in a unanimous points decision. AJ admitted himself he was looking for the knockout and it wasn’t the statement performance he had been hoping for.
Soon after the fight the former heavyweight champion made it clear he wanted to get straight back into camp and get back in the ring within 12 weeks. Since then something seems to have changed, with Joshua taking to Instagram to announce he won’t be back in action until December – fans are currently none the wiser as to why.
Whyte was in attendance at the Joe Joyce-Zhilei Zhang card this weekend and doesn’t believe Joshua’s statement, saying he will ‘100%’ fight before the end of the year.
Speaking to iFL TV, ‘The Body Snatcher’ said:
“That’s lie, it’s a lie. Joshua isn’t’ going to wait until December to fight. If he’s not injured then why would he wait until December to fight. Joshua is trying to create some mystery, he thinks he’s some kind of mystery man these days.
No one believes it. Why would he not fight until December if he can potentially have three fights this year.
He’s just trying to create some sort of mystery, he’s a strange guy and he’s doing some strange stuff. He’s definitely going to fight before December, 100%.”
Whyte is undoubtedly growing frustrated at the situation, having been lined up to face Joshua next, with Eddie Hearn admitting the Brixton man was the ‘frontrunner’ for a summer fight.
Recent speculation about a four man tournament in Saudi Arabia including AJ, Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk and Deontay Wilder has been suggested as a possible reason for the delay.