DILLIAN WHYTE is hellbent on scuppering an undisputed title decider between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury by muscling his way into the picture.
The frustrated Brit has been the WBC’s No1 ranked challenger since 2017 but only last year was officially made the mandatory challenger for the belt.
Whyte has been promised a shot at Fury’s title by February 2021 and promoter Eddie Hearn admits the heavyweight should take priority over Joshua.
With the WBC due to decide on who the Gypsy King faces once he rematches Deontay Wilder, SunSport takes a look at how Whyte compares to the 6ft 9in champion.
TYSON FURY
For much of his career, Fury has been renowned for a slick, back foot boxing style that frustrates and bemuses opponents.
But in his second fight with Wilder – having drawn in 2018 – the Gypsy King proved his versatility as he switched tactics and applied the pressure.
It resulted in an emphatic and one-sided beating with Wilder being floored twice on the way to a seventh round stoppage.
It remains to be seen whether Fury will adopt the same tactics in their rematch or against potential rivals such as Joshua or Whyte.
But Fury has always been able to adapt if needed, for example boxing Martin Rogan in 2012 exclusively in the southpaw stance.
One of Fury’s greatest strengths is his ability to mix it up, whether that be by fighting on the front foot, cautiously or by switch-hitting.
His improved punching power since joining Javan ‘Suharhill’ Steward – nephew to the legendary Emanuel – is also a major factor, with opponents now even more cautious about closing the gap on the unbeaten champ.
Another of Fury’s strengths is his composure in the ring, even the divisions statistically greatest puncher, Wilder, could not strike fear into his eyes.
Tyson Fury is the unbeaten WBC heavyweight championCredit: AP:Associated Press
DILLIAN WHYTE
Since his only loss in the paid ranks, to Joshua in 2015, Whyte has become one of the most improved heavyweights in the world.
His power and left hook has always been prominent, but now the 32-year-old is boxing with educated pressure and a forceful jab.
Whyte is also a great in-fighter, managing to fire off quick combinations when pressed up against opponents.
Managing to box to strict tactics and avoid being overzealous has steered him to massive victories over the likes of Joseph Parker, Dereck Chisora and Oscar Rivas.
He has also proven to be resilient, picking himself off the canvas against Parker and Rivas, when leading the fight, to regain composure before winning a decision.
Against Chisora in their second fight, Whyte was even behind on the two of the scorecards, but remained calm, not forcing the fight, before finishing with a devastating round 11 KO.
What Whyte may lack in hand speed he makes up for in timing and power and when coming forward the former kickboxer takes a lot to stop.
Dillian Whyte is mandatory for Fury’s WBC title
FIGHT BREAKDOWN
Whyte’s key to success against Fury remains similar to most of his fights; he has to walk him down with a telling jab and fire off when he’s in front of the target.
The problem against Fury is he’s a master at range management and with a reach advantage it’s his jab that could do the damage, keeping Whyte at bay.
Whyte would have to be cautious of stepping on to too many punches, though he has been able to take one to give one several times before.
Fury’s come forward tactics used against Wilder may not prove as successful against Whyte, who is naturally 3stone heavier than the Bronze Bomber and much, much more capable at boxing on the back foot.
But if the fight turned into a cagey chess match the Gypsy King will always be the favourite.
Should Whyte be able to walk Fury down and get in range he his capable of shutting out anyones lights
But no man has yet been able to outsmart Fury with the undefeated WBC champion always finding a way to win – whether it be by picking himself up off the deck or switching styles to force a finish.
WBC president hits back at Whyte legal threat over Fury shot and says he has ‘no idea what Dillian wishes to accomplish’
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
