Anthony Joshua has changed the trajectory of British boxing since his arrival after the 2012 Olympics.
His Wladimir Klitschko win at Wembley Stadium made for a great spectacle and propelled him into a household-name status.
But in recent years, Joshua has suffered setbacks since his early success; his losses to Andy Ruiz, Oleksandr Usyk, and Daniel Dubois have caused him to slip down the totem pole of boxing’s best.
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Now, with a return on the way, the likelihood of a Jake Paul clash is ramping up by the day, with his promoter Eddie Hearn revealing that Paul discussions have taken place.
Former Anthony Joshua opponent shares thoughts on Jake Paul ‘freak show’ fight, provides percentage chance
While the clash would have to take place next year after the Watford fighter dusts off the gloves following an elbow injury, it has not stopped boxers from giving their opinion on the bout.
Former AJ opponent Dillian Whyte has been outspoken during his media rounds for his fight against Moses Itauma on August 16th and has given his thoughts on his old rival’s rumoured route.
Speaking to IFL TV, he said: “The demographics of boxing have changed. We love spectacles, we love the uncertainty, we like to see freak shows, that’s what it is, a freak show.
“I’m sure we will complain but we still watch it.”
Whyte was scheduled to face the 35-year-old two years ago but pulled out due to an adverse finding on a Voluntary Anti-Doping Test.
Following two low-key return wins, ‘The Body Snatcher’ is being positioned as part of the old guard in his fight with the 20-year-old sensation Itauma.
Even though he admits he will watch the ‘spectacle’, any suggestion of a chance for the influencer was quickly dismissed.
“0%, boxing is a sucker sport because AJ has been pushed so far down that we are talking about giving Jake Paul (a chance),” Whyte said.
“It’s mad, it’s like me and you (interviewer) talking about giving you a percentage of you doing something. You are just going to get bombed, it doesn’t make sense.”
Dillian Whyte has a winning record against British heavyweights, but has suffered two devastating KO losses
The 37-year-old has been on the circuit for 14 years now and has faced seven British opponents in that time.
A record of five wins and two losses is a positive one for the Brixton basher, and his record includes a knockout of Derek Chisora and a decision victory over Dave Allen.
However, he has lost twice at the very top of the British level, with both losses seeing the fighter stopped by Joshua and Tyson Fury.
The Fury fight was memorable for the uppercut that landed on the chin of the challenger and for one of many short-lived retirements from the ‘Gypsy King’.
While an altogether different challenge presents itself in just over a week against a young upstart, he will look to use his experience against the domestic heavyweights to his advantage.