DILLIAN WHYTE was in lively form at Thurday’s press conference. He is looking at an expected December clash with Anthony Joshua but first both Whyte and the Olympic gold medallist have to get through separate bouts on Saturday’s show at O2, against Brian Minto and Gary Cornish for the Commonwealth title respectively.
Nevertheless Dillian had some choice words for Joshua, interrupting Anthony’s address to the media to say, “When are you going to stop being a fake and start being yourself?”
Speaking directly to him, Whyte continued, “You come over here acting like some good behaving punk. Be yourself. What’s wrong with you. You’re getting hurt December, I’m telling you now. I’m going to mess you up.”
Joshua simply responded, “You’re lucky to be on my undercard.”
Dillian also did not fancy Cornish’s chances against Joshua. “I just see him getting sparked out early,” he said, before adding. “I see Joshua getting sparked out by me in December.”
The Highlander remained composed but his promoter, Tommy Gilmour insisted, “For somebody who has never lost as an amateur or a professional to be totally dismissed in the way that he has been, I think it’s something that’s brought shame on the promotion.”
As Tommy rounded on the promoter and broadcaster, Dillian intervened to say, “He’s going to get knocked out either way. If he beats Anthony, I’m going to knock him out in December.”
Whyte did give credit to the man he faces on Saturday, Brian Minto. “It’s also good to get some rounds and get some valuable experience so I was trying to get someone to give me that. Brian Minto, I think he’ll be the perfect guy. He’s experienced, he’s a tough guy,” he said.
Minto said, “Life’s about taking chances and opportunities. I just figure I’m going to throw my hat in, give it everything I’ve got.”
A thriller lined up for Saturday’s undercard sees Dave Ryan rematch John Wayne Hibbert for the Commonwealth super-lightweight title. Ryan, victor last time, insists, “I walked on to his shots last time, he hit me with his best. I still got up. There’s just no way he’s going to beat me.” If this is anything like their last fight, it should be a cracker. Also look out for Charlie Edwards taking on Louis Norman for the English flyweight title in only his fifth pro contest and the debuts of Jake Ball and ferocious welterweight Ted Cheeseman.
