Esteemed trainer Teddy Atlas has had some stern words for a British heavyweight over a recent performance.
Atlas has worked with some of the best fighters the blue ribbon has seen over the past 30 years, including the likes of Mike Tyson, Michael Moorer and Alexander Povetkin.
Having transitioned from gritty coach to YouTube podcast host in recent years, Atlas is now one half of The Fight, which he co hosts with long time friend Ken Rideout.
Dillian Whyte’s world title fight against Tyson Fury came up in conversation on a recent episode, and it’s safe to say Atlas was not particularly impressed with ‘The Bodysnatcher’s showing that night.
“You’re fighting a certain style, you’ve got to be ready for that style – it’s your responsibility. Fury has a certain style, he fights out the outside and looks to set you up with the jab.”
“Dillian Whyte had no clue! It was a disgrace, really an embarrassment how unprepared he was. It was clear to everyone. It seemed like he had no idea how to deal with Fury and what he was going to do.”
Mandatory challenger for Fury’s WBC belt at the time, Whyte took on ‘The Gypsy King’ in front of 94,000 fans at Wembley Stadium, a British record for attendance at a boxing event.
Whether it was indeed a lack of preparation, being overawed by the occasion or simply being outclassed by Fury, Whyte did not come close to getting his hands on the prestigious green and gold strap, losing every round before being heavily knocked by the champion in the sixth.
He bounced back with a decision win over Jermaine Franklin last November, however, and could be in line for a big money rematch with old foe Anthony Joshua in the summer.