Anthony Joshua vs Dillian Whyte: Nigerian-born star agrees to rematch for August 12

On August 12, an exciting rematch between British professional boxer of Nigerian descent Anthony Joshua a heavyweight rival Dillian Whyte will take place at The O2 in London.

Nearly eight years after their exciting British title fight in Greenwich, two-time unified heavyweight world champion Joshua and former world title challenger Whyte square off once more.

Joshua's victory in 2015 came after a thrilling battle was ended by a decisive seventh-round stoppage. 

Whyte and Joshua have a long-standing rivalry because Whyte defeated the Watford player in a points match in 2009 while Joshua was still an amateur. 

With a streak of victories over opponents including Charles Martin, Wladimir Klitschko, Joseph Parker, Alexander Povetkin, Andy Ruiz, and Kubrat Pulev, Joshua went on to unify the heavyweight division, taking home the WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO titles. 

The 33-year-old, who had suffered consecutive losses to Ukrainian pound-for-pound king Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and 2022, outperformed Jermaine Franklin at The O2 earlier this year to go back on the winning track with new trainer Derrick James.

Whyte lost his attempt to take the world title against the unbeaten WBC champion Tyson Fury at Wembley Stadium in April 2022, suffering a sixth-round TKO loss. 

In a statement on the DAZN website about the fight, Joshua said, “I’ve been clear that my plan is to be active this year.

"August 12 is the date, I’ll be ready to fight. I look forward to dealing with business."

Whyte added,  “I’m looking forward to returning to the London O2 on August 12 and going to war. 

“It's 1-1 so this is the decider!.

If he defeats Whyte, Joshua will have a chance to fight Deontay Wilder next in Saudi Arabia.