As with any fighter at the top of any division, boxers all over the world are gunning for Joshua and his crown. Both Dillian Whyte and Joseph Parker have had their chances to end Joshua’s unbeaten run in the professional ranks but both came up just short, relegating them to one step below Joshua in the pecking order.
Both men believe that they are world class fighters though and that the result would be different if they were to have another crack at Joshua. It’s going to take some eye-catching performances from Whyte and/or Parker before they are given another shot at Joshua but they have a great opportunity to impress on Saturday with the eyes of the boxing public turned towards their bout in London’s O2 Arena.
Whyte v Parker is shaping up to be one of the tightest heavyweight bouts of recent times.
Dillian Whyte v Joseph Parker Winner Market
Joseph Parker 8/11 (Ladbrokes)
Dillian Whyte 6/5 (Betfred)
Draw 25/1 (888Sport)
(Please note all odds are correct at time of article publishing.)
As the bookies’ odds suggest, this is an incredibly tight match up between two quality boxers with something still to prove. It’s also an intriguing match up in styles between a brawler in Whyte who is known for his devastating body punches and a counter puncher in Parker who has made the most of the overly aggressive approach of his opponents in the past.
Parker’s more measured approach worked very well throughout his career up until March of this year when he was beaten on points by Anthony Joshua. The Kiwi star has since claimed that he was too defensive against Joshua and that he’s learned his lesson but the stats suggest his real problem was failing to land enough punches.
Parker connected with just 20% of the punches he threw against Joshua. That’s a worrying statistic if he felt that his approach was cautious to a fault. Parker fans will say that his style should work well against Whyte given the British fighter’s habit of being a little too aggressive. He certainly went all guns blazing for a knockout against Joshua when the pair met in December of 2015 before being knocked out himself in the seventh round. However, Whyte is a better, more mature fighter know as he has shown in big wins over Dereck Chisora, Robert Helenius and Lucas Browne since that defeat to Joshua.
Can Dillian Whyte follow up his knockout win over Lucas Browne with victory at the O2?
Method of Victory Market
Parker by Decision or Technical Decision 13/8 (Bet365)
Whyte by Decision or Technical Decision 5/2 (Ladbrokes)
Whyte by KO, TKO or Disqualification 4/1 (Betfred)
Parker by KO, TKO or Disqualification 4/1 (Sportingbet)
Draw or Technical Draw 25/1 (888Sport)
Joseph Parker said that while he was too cautious against Joshua he will enter the ring against Whyte with the clear aim of knocking him out. That is surely just talk though as neither man is going to risk the huge prize on offer by opening themselves up to the power punching of their opponent. Don’t be surprised if this is relatively tame in the early rounds as the two heavyweights try to suss their opponents out.
Both fighters will have their chin tested at times given the power and precision that they both possess. However, they’re both tough men who are capable of digging deep and getting through difficult spells of a 12 round fight. The winner of this bout will come down to whichever fighter can best impress the judges. We think that’s going to be Dillian Whyte so recommend backing him to win by decision or technical decision at 5/2 with Coral.
Round Betting Market
Parker on Points @ 13/8 (Bet365)
Whyte on Points @ 5/2 (Coral)
Whyte Round 5 @ 28/1 (William Hill)
Whyte Round 10 @ 33/1 (Unibet)
Parker Round 7 @ 33/1 (Ladbrokes)
Whyte Round 6 @ 35/1 (Paddy Power)
Parker Round 10 @ 35/1 (Paddy Power)
Those who fancy an outside bet just in case a big punch lands will doubtless be tempted by the Round Betting Market. Of the two men, Whyte is the more likely to land a knockout blow, indeed his power has earned him the nickname the ‘Body Snatcher’. It’s an outside chance but there is a chance that Whyte can win by knockout in Round 10 at 33/1 with Unibet.
