Dillian Whyte has voiced his belief that Deontay Wilder would be a sensible next challenge for Anthony Joshua, but he also warns that the former heavyweight champion may be rushing back into the ring far too quickly. Joshua’s most recent bout came in December, when he secured a stoppage victory over internet personality Jake Paul. Shortly after that triumph, Joshua was involved in a tragic automobile accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two close acquaintances, a loss that has weighed heavily on the British fighter. In the wake of Wilder’s win over Derek Chisora, the American expressed interest in a showdown with the two‑time world champion, yet Whyte downplayed any realistic chance of a rematch with his old rival.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Whyte said, "I would love it, but no one's mentioned it to me and I don't know about it. And AJ is probably most likely looking to fight Deontay Wilder now.
It's the fight that makes sense. If AJ fights Wilder, he will sell and he will knock Wilder out I think." The prospect of a Joshua‑Wilder clash has been floated as a potentially lucrative event, but it could also jeopardise Joshua’s anticipated bout with fellow Briton Tyson Fury later this year – a fight that many fans have been waiting for as a historic all‑British heavyweight showdown. Whyte believes that a meeting with Wilder before the Fury fight could derail those plans, and he insists that Joshua should give himself additional time to recover both physically and emotionally. "I'm risky for him too, but you know, you have to see," Whyte explained, recalling his own loss to Joshua in the seventh round of their 2015 encounter.
"The Tyson Fury fight, run that fight and see what his mind is, see his mentality. They've been through a lot lately. I personally think he's getting back in the ring too soon. I think he needs some more time to digest and break down what's happening.
Because what's happening to him is a heavy loss. It's not light, it's a heavy loss. You think, if you're in a car crash with two random strangers and they die, it will be heavy.
Imagine your best friends, your family, it's a heavy loss." Whyte’s comments underline the psychological toll that the accident has taken on Joshua. Losing two close friends in a sudden crash is a trauma that extends far beyond the usual pressures of elite sport.
The heavyweight champion now faces the challenge of processing grief while also preparing for high‑stakes fights that could define his legacy. Whyte suggests that rushing back into a fight with a dangerous opponent like Wilder could be a misstep, both for Joshua’s health and for his long‑term career trajectory. Beyond his remarks on Joshua, Whyte also touched on his own recent struggles. He has yet to announce his next move after suffering a first‑round knockout at the hands of Moses Itauma in August of the previous year.
The loss, which occurred in Saudi Arabia, was a stark contrast to the fighter’s usual performance level. "One million per cent, I'm not going to go into it because I don't want to take away from the kid's win, he's done his thing, he won," Whyte said. "It wasn't me.
And anybody with a brain can see that. But it is what it is. Sometimes s*** happens and you have to just get on with it, you have to suck it up and get on with it." Whyte’s candid admission highlights the harsh reality of professional boxing, where a single night can dramatically alter a fighter’s momentum. Despite the setback, he remains resolute about his future.
Having only fought three times since 2022 – including the defeat to Itauma – he has faced speculation about retirement, which he promptly dismissed. "No, no, no, because I knew what I am, I know who I am," he affirmed. "I know how capable I am. I know I can still operate at the top level.
I just have to be more mindful, learn from my mistakes and make sure certain things don't happen again, you know." Whyte’s perspective offers a broader commentary on the heavyweight division’s current landscape. With Joshua, Fury, and Wilder all positioned as marquee attractions, the timing of each fight carries significant strategic implications. A premature clash between Joshua and Wilder could generate immediate revenue, but it might also undermine the longer‑term narrative that a Joshua‑Fury bout promises.
Moreover, the mental and emotional readiness of the athletes is a factor that cannot be ignored. In summary, Dillian Whyte acknowledges that Deontay Wilder presents a logical opponent for Anthony Joshua from a business standpoint, yet he urges caution, emphasizing that Joshua’s recent personal tragedy and the physical demands of heavyweight boxing warrant a more measured approach.
While the allure of a high‑profile fight is undeniable, Whyte believes that granting Joshua additional time to heal and regroup will ultimately serve both the fighter’s legacy and the sport’s broader interests. Meanwhile, Whyte himself remains determined to rebound from his own recent loss, confident that with careful reflection and strategic planning, he can still compete at the elite level.