“Financial Disagreements Jeopardize Joshua vs. Whyte Rematch”
The highly anticipated rematch between former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua and British boxer Dillian Whyte is now uncertain due to disagreements over finances. Joshua’s current plan is to engage in a massive showdown with Deontay Wilder in Saudi Arabia scheduled for December.
However, Joshua, who is of British-Nigerian descent, aims to have a preparatory bout under the guidance of his new trainer, Derrick James, following his lackluster victory over Jermaine Franklin in April.
Whyte is understood to be Joshua’s preferred opponent, but he is dissatisfied with the financial terms offered for the fight.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, expressed the situation, stating, “We’ve made an offer, but they felt that offer was unacceptable. We may be too far apart in terms of the money to make that fight. We are exploring other options for August 12. It doesn’t necessarily have to be Dillian; that’s the fight Joshua wanted.”
He further explained, “If we can secure the fight with Deontay Wilder (for December), then we can choose someone else from the top 15 for August 12. However, if we can’t finalize the Wilder fight, we need a much more significant bout on August 12, or we can consider Tyson Fury in September. I believe we will make the fight happen with Wilder.”
Hearn continued, “The main issue revolves around the financial demands of both Dillian and AJ. Honestly speaking, I don’t think we can reach the figure Dillian is asking for this fight. I believe Dillian wants the fight, and Joshua wants it too, but time might not be on our side.”
Whyte also voiced his thoughts on the matter, telling Sky, “It’s a significant fight, just eight weeks away, and there’s been no communication, nothing. They’re just wasting time playing games. I don’t think they are genuinely serious about the fight.”
He added, “They’re concerned about the fight, and I can’t blame them. If Joshua is going to receive £50 million to fight Wilder in Saudi Arabia in December, it simply baffles me. Why would they take a risk fighting me? It doesn’t make sense. So, honestly, I’m not surprised.”
