Joshua: I asked for Whyte rematch following Pulev withdrawal

The current IBF, IBO and WBA (Super) unified world heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua (19-0) has recently revealed upon hearing the news of a shoulder injury to former mandatory challenger, Kubrat Pulev (25-1), an injury which would keep him out of action for the October 28th date; he instantly requested a rematch with his longtime local rival, Dillian Whyte (21-1).

The IBF eventually gave the status of the mandatory challenger to the proven contender, Carlos Takam (35-3-1) who it has since been revealed had been ticking over and preparing in camp in case of the possibility of an injury to Pulev. Takam officially replaced Kubrat Pulev on the October 28th bill on twelve days notice, while Dillian Whyte is scheduled to fight on the undercard for the WBC ‘international’ title against Finland’s Robert Helenius.

Joshua and Whyte have a thorough backstory, the bitterness began when Whyte knocked Joshua down in 2009 in an early amateur meeting en route to a points decision verdict in his favour. Joshua returned the favour when they clashed as promising, undefeated British-level fighters in December 2015. That memorable encounter saw Joshua on the verge of suffering a knockout defeat early in the fight, when he was hurt in the 2nd round; however, he managed to recuperate and rally to inflict the first stoppage of Whyte’s career in the 7th round.