Anthony Joshua has firmly put himself in Dillian Whyte‘s corner for his WBC world heavyweight title fight against Tyson Fury – even though he ‘hates him’.
Fury will look to defend his title against the Body Snatcher Whyte at Wembley on April 23, after the highly-anticipated all-British showdown was finally agreed following weeks of speculation.
Rival Joshua revealed prior to Lawrence Okolie‘s cruiserweight victory over Michal Cieslak at the O2 Arena on Sunday that he will be keeping a close eye on the fight and is backing Whyte all the way.
Anthony Joshua will be rooting for Dillian Whyte (pictured) in his title fight against Tyson Fury
Fury and Whyte are finally set to meet on Saturday, April 23 at Wembley Stadium
The former heavyweight champion is also keen on facing Whyte once again, having first fought as professionals back in 2015 when Joshua sealed a knockout victory in the seventh round. Their rivalry is a long one, stretching back to their amateur days, and full of acrimony.
Yet Joshua told IFL TV: ‘It’s a good opponent [for Fury], it’s a good [title] defence against Dillian Whyte.
‘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.
Joshua did however also admit that he wants to ‘smash’ Whyte up one of these days
‘But I hope Dillian trains hard [and] doesn’t underestimate Tyson. Because it’s his first shot for Dillian, I think he’ll be hungry, do you know what I mean?
‘This ain’t like his 10th time fighting for a title, you can have a little hiccup along the way. This is his first time fighting for the title.
‘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.’
Joshua is currently gearing up for a rematch with Oleksandr Usyk, but Russia’s invasion of Usyk’s home country, Ukraine, may cause uncertainties regarding that bout.
Joshua (left) is currently gearing up for a rematch with Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk (right)
The fight is set to take place in the late spring or early summer although no date or venue has been set.
And Usyk has returned to his homeland following its invasion by Russian forces, publicly decrying the war and pleading with Vladimir Putin to end the fighting.
‘I’ve learnt [that] sport and politics go hand in hand, and they’re powerful voices, and it’s good that they’re speaking up,’ said Joshua.
‘They’re not pushing for war, they’re saying “let’s find peace”.
‘So good luck to them, and that’s it really, before I go on and say something wrong.’
