Dillian Whyte is gearing up for a comeback in the heavyweight division and has made it clear that a third showdown with fellow Briton Derek Chisora is high on his wish list. The two fighters have already produced two memorable bouts – a split‑decision win for Whyte in 2016 and an 11th‑round stoppage in 2018 – both of which were billed as gritty, back‑to‑back barn‑burners that captured the imagination of British boxing fans. After Chisora’s recent defeat at the hands of Deontay Wilder in the O2 Arena, speculation grew that the 41‑year‑old might be winding down his career. Yet Whyte believes the lure of a trilogy fight, with the added drama of settling unfinished business, could persuade Chisora to step back into the ring.
“He’s told me he wants a fight with me and he’s not planning to hang up his gloves,” Whyte told Sky Sports News. “Not many fighters get the chance to do a trilogy, and I’d love to make that happen. At this point in our careers there isn’t a lot of travelling or moving around – we’ll just stand there and trade blows.
He doesn’t like me, I don’t like him. He doesn’t want to lose to me, and I don’t want to lose to him.” The first encounter in 2016 saw Whyte edge out a split‑decision win after a hard‑fought 12‑round battle. Two years later, the rivalry escalated when Whyte stopped Chisora in the 11th round, delivering a decisive finish that cemented his reputation as a relentless pressure fighter.
Both bouts were characterised by relentless exchanges, heavy body work, and a palpable animosity that made each round feel like a war of wills. Whyte’s own recent career has hit a snag. After a stoppage loss to Moses Itauma in 2023, he has been searching for a high‑profile fight to re‑establish his standing among the heavyweight elite.
“I’ve already put him to sleep once. I gave him one of the best sleeps of his life, so it would be great to do it again.
The fans want big, exciting fights,” Whyte explained. “They want to see proper heavyweights having a proper slugfest, and this would be exactly that.
If Derek is serious, he knows where to find me – I’d fight him tomorrow.” The British fighter also hinted that a third bout could be arranged fairly quickly, targeting the summer months. “I’d love to make this fight happen in the next couple of months. He says he’ll be ready.
I’ll be ready in May or June. If he wants it, I’m ready,” Whyte said, adding that the clash would inevitably be a classic stand‑and‑trade affair.
“He’s a credible opponent. He just comes to fight, he doesn’t care about the hype – that’s why I love fighting him.” Beyond Chisora, Whyte has his eyes set on other notable heavyweights. He mentioned former world champions Andy Ruiz and Deontay Wilder as potential opponents, as well as an up‑and‑coming Albanian fighter named Nelson Hysa, who currently holds the No.
1 ranking in his country. “I’d love to fight Andy Ruiz, Deontay Wilder, or a guy like Nelson Hysa.
They’re top‑ranked, they have good records, and a win over any of them would boost my standing,” Whyte said. The prospect of a Whyte‑vs‑Chisora trilogy has sparked excitement across the UK boxing community. Promoters see the bout as a potential pay‑per‑view magnet, given the history between the two and the palpable personal rivalry that fuels their exchanges.
Fans recall the electric atmosphere of the 2016 and 2018 fights, where both men displayed relentless aggression, a willingness to absorb punishment, and an unyielding desire to dominate the other. A third encounter would likely follow a similar script: early rounds of tactical probing, mid‑round explosions of power, and a final stretch where stamina and willpower become the deciding factors. In addition to the heavyweight narrative, the wider boxing calendar for 2026 is already shaping up with several marquee events.
The sport’s governing bodies have hinted at a packed schedule that includes title unifications, emerging prospects stepping up, and veteran fighters looking for one‑last big moments. Streaming platforms such as NOW are offering contract‑free access to live bouts, while podcasts like Toe2Toe provide weekly analysis and behind‑the‑scenes insights for fans who crave deeper engagement.
While the exact date and venue for a potential Whyte‑Chisora trilogy remain to be confirmed, both fighters have signaled readiness. Whyte’s confidence is evident: “I’ve already slept him once.
I gave him one of the best sleeps he’s had in his whole life. So it would be good to get it on. The fans want to see good fights.” Chisora, for his part, has hinted at a desire to prove he still belongs at the top of the heavyweight tier, despite his recent loss to Wilder.
If the fight does materialise, it will likely be promoted as a classic British heavyweight showdown – a throwback to the golden era of UK pugilism where gritty, hard‑hitting battles were the norm. The narrative of two seasoned fighters, each with something to prove, promises a compelling storyline that could attract both domestic and international audiences. In the meantime, boxing enthusiasts can keep an eye on other upcoming events, such as the Chris Billam‑Smith versus Ryan Rozicki clash scheduled for June 6 on Sky Sports, which will serve as a reminder that the heavyweight division remains vibrant and full of intrigue. Whether Whyte’s next big fight is a third bout with Chisora, a showdown with a former champion, or a surprise matchup against a rising contender, the British heavyweight scene is poised for an exciting resurgence.