The unified heavyweight champion of the world has backed the 34-year-old to claim his revenge after losing the first fight in controversial circumstances
Anthony Joshua believes Dereck Chisora will ‘whoop’ Dillian Whyte in their highly-anticipated rematch on Saturday night.
Two years after the British brawlers slugged it out at the Manchester Arena – with Whyte winning a thrilling fight on a split decision – they will put it all on the line once again at the 02 Arena.
Since then, Whyte has put himself into world title contention with victories over Robert Helenius and Lucas Browne and repeatedly stated his desire to face WBC champion Deontay Wilder.
For Chisora however, Saturday night presents another opportunity for the fighter formerly known as ‘Del Boy’ to upset the odds after he produced a fantastic display against Carlos Takam in the summer.
With former foe David Haye also in his corner, Chisora has been backed to pull off another upset by none-other than heavyweight champ Joshua.
“I think Derek is going to whoop Dillian. I want him to,” Joshua told Sky Sports.
“I want Chisora to win. I don’t want too much good for Dillian because he’s an enemy of mine.
“But I want Dillian to win as well, so we can have our rematch.”
Rematches in boxing tend to replicate the spectacle and entertainment of the first fight – often finishing more conclusively in favour of the first winner.
However, Joshua is adamant Saturday night will be an early Christmas cracker for fight fans.
“Can it be as good, this time around? Yes,” Joshua added. “I think it will be better, in terms of boxing skill.
“I think they will be a little more cautious – they know what [each other] can do. They gave a lot and it took a lot of out them last time.
“They learned from the first one. They put a lot on the line. In this second one, they will refine their skills. It will be a lot more technical.
“When it sparks, it will really kick off.
“When it sparks, it will go crazy because of that passion. They don’t like each other. It all comes out in the ring.
“They can’t knock each other out. They have old school granite chins.”
‘AJ’ will be in the building for the fight, alongside the heavy-handed Jarrell ‘Big Baby’ Miller and cruiserweight king Oleksandr Usyk.