Thursday 4 June 2015 21:25, UK
British heavyweight Anthony Joshua has opened the door to a fight with former amateur rival Dillian Whyte.
Whyte defeated Joshua as an amateur in 2009, knocking the Olympic champion to the floor in the process, and Joshua has told Sky Sports News HQ that the two could be about to renew their rivalry six years on.
“It’s an offer we’re really looking into,” Joshua said. “If he [Whyte] is patient, I’m sure he’ll get his opportunity.”
Since their last encounter, Joshua has claimed an Olympic gold medal and won all 13 of his professional fights within three rounds, drawing praise from the likes of world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko.
Meanwhile, Whyte’s perfect 14-0 record has gone relatively under the radar, which hasn’t eased the reportedly bad blood between the two.
But Joshua insists “I don’t quite understand why he [Whyte] is so angry. When you’ve got a victory over someone, you should feel proud of yourself.”
Despite suggestions the contest would be a ‘grudge-match’, Joshua says: “I haven’t got a grudge against anyone. My biggest competitor is myself. I’m not worried about Dillian.”
But Joshua is full of praise for his potential opponent, who’s racked up five knockouts since returning from a two-year doping ban: “He’s got power, he’s undefeated and he’s very hungry.”
Although he welcomes Klitschko’s claim that the “future of the division” is in his hands, Joshua is adamant he’s just got to maintain his development.
"It’s just potential. I won’t let it boost my ego because it’s not reality yet," Joshua said.
“I’m not interested in [trash-talking]. I’m not going to entertain negative energy. Anyone that thinks they’re going to test me, I’ll put them in their place.”
