‘I’m rooting for Dillian Whyte against Tyson Fury… even though I HATE him!’ Anthony Joshua reveals he’s siding with his bitter old rival against Tyson Fury

Anthony Joshua has firmly put himself in Dillian Whyte‘s corner for his WBC world heavyweight title fight against Tyson Fury – even though he ‘hates him’.

Fury will look to defend his title against the Body Snatcher Whyte at Wembley on April 23, after the highly-anticipated all-British showdown was finally agreed following weeks of speculation.

Rival Joshua revealed prior to Lawrence Okolie‘s cruiserweight victory over Michal Cieslak at the O2 Arena on Sunday that he will be keeping a close eye on the fight and is backing Whyte all the way.

Anthony Joshua will be rooting for Dillian Whyte (pictured) in his title fight against Tyson Fury

Fury and Whyte are finally set to meet on Saturday, April 23 at Wembley Stadium

The former heavyweight champion is also keen on facing Whyte once again, having first fought as professionals back in 2015 when Joshua sealed a knockout victory in the seventh round. Their rivalry is a long one, stretching back to their amateur days, and full of acrimony.

Yet Joshua told IFL TV: ‘It’s a good opponent [for Fury], it’s a good [title] defence against Dillian Whyte.

‘Dillian Whyte needs to come in, look at what Tyson Fury does and reacts to, and do the complete opposite. Maybe work the body, and be conditioned to go the distance.

Joshua did however also admit that he wants to ‘smash’ Whyte up one of these days

‘But I hope Dillian trains hard [and] doesn’t underestimate Tyson. Because it’s his first shot for Dillian, I think he’ll be hungry, do you know what I mean?

‘This ain’t like his 10th time fighting for a title, you can have a little hiccup along the way. This is his first time fighting for the title.

‘I’m rooting for Dillian, even though I hate him, and I want to smash him one of these days.

‘Go on Dillian, I’m with you all the way.’

Joshua is currently gearing up for a rematch with Oleksandr Usyk, but Russia’s invasion of Usyk’s home country, Ukraine, may cause uncertainties regarding that bout.

Joshua (left) is currently gearing up for a rematch with Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk (right)

The fight is set to take place in the late spring or early summer although no date or venue has been set.

And Usyk has returned to his homeland following its invasion by Russian forces, publicly decrying the war and pleading with Vladimir Putin to end the fighting.

‘I’ve learnt [that] sport and politics go hand in hand, and they’re powerful voices, and it’s good that they’re speaking up,’ said Joshua.

‘They’re not pushing for war, they’re saying “let’s find peace”.

‘So good luck to them, and that’s it really, before I go on and say something wrong.’

Related Posts

Loose Women viewers spot ‘tension’ between Denise Welch and Janet Street-Porter!

‘A face like thunder’ Loose Women fans spotted a rather awkward moment between Denise Welch and Janet Street-Porter while watching the show today. The beloved ITV show returned to…

King Charles to host US President Donald Trump for full state visit to UK!

The US President will visit the UK later this year Donald Trump will embark on a state visit to the UK later this year following an official…

Kelsey Parker’s mum shares heartbreaking statement following death of baby Phoenix!

Kelsey shared the sad news over the weekend Kelsey Parker’s mum has broken her silence following the death of her daughter’s baby boy, Phoenix. Tom Parker’s widow,…

Scandal, love life and his tragic cause of death: Inside the last few years of George Michael’s life!

George died on Christmas Day 2016 Hearts were broken all over the world on Christmas Day 2016 when it was confirmed that George Michael had sadly passed…

Max Verstappen says he’s tired of repetitive media questions in the Formula 1 paddock – reveals the only topic he still enjoys discussing, and why it keeps him motivated amidst a gruelling season of travel, pressure and performance.

Max Verstappen is widely known for his love of Formula 1 and racing in general. He has become notorious for his dislike of extra-curricular activities that the…

McLaren’s Silence Worries the Legends: Why Häkkinen and Andretti Believe Lando Norris Must Make a Crucial Career Move – and What the Team Won’t Admit

Lando Norris heads to the 2025 Austrian Grand Prix 22 points behind Oscar Piastri in the drivers’ standings after crashing into his McLaren teammate in the Canadian…