Dillian Whyte returns to action this Sunday fighting Christian Hammer after being out of the ring for 16 months. Whyte previously scheduled to face Anthony Joshua in a rematch in August of 2023 failed a PED test on fight week. He was subsequently pulled from the card being replaced by Robert Helenious who was knocked out by Joshua in 7 rounds.
The Bodysnatcher then disappeared only resurfacing after clearance by the Texas boxing commission deeming his adverse finding to be the result of a contaminated supplement. This isn’t the first time Whyte is dealing with adverse findings failing a test early in his career being suspended from 2012-2014. He also later ran into issues with the WBC following victory over Oscar Rivas in 2019 relating to banned substances but was cleared.
Dillian Whyte in an interview with Sky Sports said he is “relieved more than anything, but of course I’m angry as well because it’s cost me so much” . This is very justified undoubtedly missing a big pay day and an opportunity to avenge his loss to Joshua. Furthermore, his absence has likely cost him opportunities to fight in Saudi Arabia which is being proven to be a goldmine for top heavyweights.
Is Dillian Whyte A Lay Up?
Hammer has been a stepping stone for top heavyweights being beaten by Fury, Joyce, Sanchez. It is clear to most that this is a warm up fight Hammer a journeyman being nowhere near the highest level of competition Whyte has faced. This allows the Bodysnatcher to ease back into competition shaking off any ring rust .
Whyte beating Hammer is not guaranteed Whyte’s punch resistance has been declining since the Joshua KO. He’s had many taxing wins and losses being knocked out by Povetkin and Fury. So if Hammer lands a well placed uppercut it may be over for Whyte. Dillian is also ageing being 35 and with the time out of the ring he is at his most vulnerable.
Prediction
Recently Dillian Whyte didn’t look his best fighting a very reserved fight making it competitive against Jermaine Franklin only going all out in the final few rounds winning a contentious decision. However, Whyte should get past Hammer getting a UD or a KO from that hair-trigger left hook of his sending Hammer to sleep.
The Future for Whyte
If Whyte gets past Hammer opportunities should open up with many possible match ups especially if he catches the Saudis eyes. Whyte could pursue Joyce if he gets past Kash Ali, Wilder, a Parker rematch, Dubois, AJ rematch, Zhang, Ruiz, Bakole. But his future remains uncertain with the division thriving and many dangerous match ups for Whyte.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
