Anthony Joshua does not see Dillian Whyte as a “rival” as the British heavyweight boxers prepare for their rematch in London on August 12.
At a news conference on Monday, Joshua made an effort to cool things off with Whyte after a string of heated exchanges.
Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte first faced themselves 14 years ago when they were both amateurs. Whyte won the bout in 2009.
In their professional match for the British heavyweight title in 2015, Joshua brutally knocked out Whyte to take his retribution.
Since eight years ago, boxing Enthusiasts across the world have been waiting for the rematch which is on the verge of happening on August 12.
Ahead of the bout, Whyte, 35, and Joshua, 33, engaged in what was essentially a friendly exchange in front of the media which was a far cry from the build-up to their first professional bout, when tensions were at an all-time high as Joshua sought vengeance for his amateur defeat to Whyte six years earlier.
“I don’t look at Dillian as a rival,” Joshua said in the press conference.
“Just another body. A lot of people hate me. I don’t look at Dillian as a rival. I just watch myself.”
In response to Joshua’s comments during the press conference, Whyte said that he had “no hate” for Joshua.
Anthony Joshua Wants To Focus On Whyte And Asked His Fans To Forget Wilder
During the press conference at Hilton Syon Park in London on Monday, Joshua dismissed the prospect of fighting former WBC champion Wilder, despite his agent, Eddie Hearn suggesting the deal will be agreed should he beat Whyte on August 12.
The Nigerian-British heavyweight boxer said he was not prepared to wait for Wilder or any other heavyweight boxer.
“Forget Wilder, their lot has been doing my head in for so many years. Even with [Tyson] Fury,” he said.
“I don’t waste my time waiting for people. Dillian is a solid, credible opponent.”
