Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte are set for a highly-anticipated rematch in London on August 12.
The pair famously locked horns in December 2015, when Joshua knocked out Whyte on his rise to becoming two-time world champion.
Victory for Joshua was redemption for his amateur defeat to Whyte in 2009, and sets the scene for an intriguing ‘decider’ between the pair.
Whyte’s career has not followed the same trajectory, and lost his sole world title challenge to date against Tyson Fury last year.
Speaking after the fight at the O2 Arena was announced, 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.”
Promoter Eddie Hearn revealed the fight had been agreed after accepting Whyte’s request to remove a rematch clause, meaning this is likely to be the final bout between the two long-term adversaries.
“I can’t quite believe this fight is happening and there was absolutely no stopping either man,” Hearn said.
“The rivalry runs deep and there is something about these two where they will never back down from each other.
“It is an absolute must-win for both. Get ready for fireworks.”
Joshua will hope to continue his resurgence after overcoming Jermaine Franklin with a points victory in April. This came after consecutive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, as the Watford fighter failed in his quest to become a three-time unified champion.
It’s been a turbulent past four years for the 33-year-old, who suffered a shock stoppage defeat to Andy Ruiz in June 2019, before winning the rematch six months later.
That victory allowed Joshua to claim his unified title, ahead of those two aforementioned defeats to Uysk in September 2021 and August 2022 respectively.
Joshua now wants to fight Deontay Wilder in December in Saudi Arabia, but it is understood that Whyte could have a shot at Wilder should he emerge victorious next month.
