Dillian Whyte: I've Been Through A Lot That Would Make Most People Quit

12/12/2024 10:16 AM

Dillian Whyte is without question a Rocky story in boxing and in life for anyone that knows anything about it.

Good fighter Whyte and good to see him still back boxing recently, back in the competitive heavyweight division no less.

Speaking to the Stomping Ground he said:

“Dillian Whyte: Life is good, you know. It’s had its ups and downs these past few years. It’s been stressful and uncertain, but I’m used to fighting through challenges and coming back. This is just another fight for victory, another chance to prove myself. I’ve been through a lot, and I’m fighting my way back. All I’ve ever wanted is a fighting chance, and thanks to The Zone for giving me that chance again.

Oscar: Shout out to The Zone! You’re just days away from fight number 34 of your career. Looking back at the early stages and all the fight weeks you’ve experienced, does the feeling ever change as the days count down?

Dillian: Sometimes it changes, depending on the scale of the event. Bigger events mean more media, public workouts, and appearances, so the days get longer. My last fight was different—I just showed up, weighed in, and fought the next day. This time, there’s a bit more media to handle. If all goes well, the next fight will probably involve even more commitments. It’s just part of the job.

Oscar: Do you prefer the quieter approach or all the media attention?

Dillian: I like my alone time. I enjoy being low-key, relaxing, and keeping to myself. But I understand that media is part of the job. Over the years, I’ve learned to handle it better and just go with it.

Oscar: Your last fight in Ireland was pretty low-key compared to this one. What are you looking for this time?

Dillian: I want to get a few rounds in, test myself, and see where I stand. From what I’ve heard, my opponent is coming to fight, so I hope he shows up and gives me a good challenge. I want to work on my timing, slipping, countering, and just getting back into the rhythm. And of course, I’m looking for a good knockout!

Oscar: It wouldn’t be Dillian Whyte without a highlight-reel KO.

Dillian: Exactly. A body shot would be great—I haven’t stopped anyone to the body in a while. The head knockouts are nice, but body shots are more violent and satisfying.

Oscar: Body shots feel like a bit of a dying art in boxing these days, right?

Dillian: Definitely. A lot of fighters focus on headhunting for those highlight-reel KOs, but to me, a solid body shot is more impressive. Watching someone grab their ribs and roll around—it’s a different kind of impact.

Oscar: Looking back at your fight against Alexander Povetkin, that was one of your standout performances. Do you have fond memories of that week?

Dillian: Absolutely. The atmosphere was great, and the people in Gibraltar were amazing to me. I’ve got friends there and even know members of their Parliament and Prime Minister. It was a quick turnaround event, but it worked out well.

Oscar: Beyond the fight, people want to see you in big matchups. Your last high-profile fight was against Jermaine Franklin. How would you sum up the past two years?

Dillian: Terrible. It’s been a dark time in my life and career. I’ve been through a lot that would make most people quit boxing altogether. I even considered giving up myself, but I didn’t want to be defeated. I wanted to show my kids and family that you have to fight for what you want in life.

Oscar: Did you seriously consider retirement?

Dillian: Yeah, I did. I stepped away for a bit, spent time with my family, and tried out other things. I even rode my dirt bike for the first time in years. It was nice to have some downtime, but ultimately, I couldn’t stay away from boxing.

Oscar: So you’re saying we could’ve seen Dillian Whyte as a retired boxer turned daredevil?

Dillian: (Laughs) I’m not that good! But you never know.

Oscar: Looking at the heavyweight division now, it’s been busy. What’s your take on how things have moved over the last couple of years?

Dillian: I’m just grateful for what His Excellency Turki Al-Sheikh has done for boxing. He’s made these big fights possible and brought promoters together. It’s been amazing to see.

Oscar: You’ve had your share of rivalries—Derek Chisora, Anthony Joshua—but do you think money can heal these rivalries and make fights happen?

Dillian: Money isn’t a healer, but it’s a motivator. It helps get fights made because at the end of the day, it’s a business, and we’re all trying to take care of our families.

Oscar: Who’s at the top of your hit list?

Dillian: Everyone in the top 10. But specifically, I’d love to fight Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. There’s definitely unfinished business with AJ.

Oscar: Final question: Usyk vs. Fury II—what’s your prediction?

Dillian: It’s hard to pick a winner. Fury can make adjustments, but Usyk is a tough challenge. It’ll be an exciting fight for sure.”

Good mentality from Whyte. Elite level professional boxers are special members of society that are cut from a different cloth from regular people in society.

You can’t break them. Why? Simply put, you can’t break what can’t be broken.

Ultimately, Whyte knows that all the rubbish in the end is a con and nothing to be concerned about.

Good to see him back and willing to mix it in the heavyweight division again.

Whyte likes to slug fest at times, maybe he will box and punch a bit in this run ahead. Big things ahead.

The less punishment you receive the longer you last. The Terence Crawford box and punch mentality is definitely better than the Muhammad Ali rope-a-dope mentality.

Some big fights are surely the only thing that interests him at this point per the above.

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