Former WBA, WBO, and IBF Heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, has said that he hopes for Dillian White to emerge victorious when he faces Tyson Fury in April. Joshua and Whyte have not had a good history, but he is rooting for Whyte to smash Fury and claim the WBC belt.

He said: “Dillian Whyte needs to come in, look at what Tyson Fury does and reacts to, and do the complete opposite. Maybe work the body and be conditioned to go the distance.

“But I hope Dillian trains hard and does not underestimate Tyson. Because it’s his first shot for Dillian, I think he’ll be hungry, do you know what I mean? I’m rooting for Dillian, even though I hate him, and I want to smash him one of these days. Go on, Dillian; I’m with you all the way.”

But Whyte did not take the supposed encouragement too well and said that Joshua was just “bitter.” Taking to his Instagram, Whyte responded to what Joshua said: “Why are you so bitter number one bull**** guy? Anthony Joshua, what did I ever do to you, man s*** haha. Good luck for your rematch with Oleksandr Usyk.”

Joshua replied to that, admitting that hate was a strong word: “Hate is such a strong word. I respect you, champ. I just want to fight you at some point”. Joshua is also preparing for a fight later this year, where he hopes to take back the heavyweight titles he lost to Oleksandr Usyk last year. If Whyte defeats Fury and Joshua defeats Usyk, then we just might see the two boxers in an undisputed heavyweight bout later this year or next year. The odds of that happening, as said, are not exactly there, but it is boxing, and anything is possible.

Written by: Leon Osamor