Dillian Whyte was obliterated in one round by Moses Itauma in a fight that has ruined Whyte’s chances of ever reaching the top once again.
Gone is the version of Dillian Whyte who handed Joseph Parker his second career defeat as ‘The Bodysnatcher’ was demolished by Moses Itauma in just one round.
The loss was the most devastating one of Whyte’s career, as the Jamaican-Brit was beaten four rounds quicker than anyone had previously defeated him.
His former rival, Derek Chisora, begged Whyte not to take the fight, and his other former rival in Parker, was there to support him after the worst night of his career.
Joseph Parker reveals Dillian Whyte is considering retirement
In an interview with Seconds Out, Parker, who Itauma could face next, stated that he and Whyte shared a phone call after Whyte’s loss, and assured viewers that “He’s fine.”
Parker said, “Every fighter respects every fighter, and he went out there, he did his best. He got caught, and it’s just one of those things. […] You just gotta see if you wanna continue boxing or not. […] He’s not going to make a rash decision straight away. He was going to sit down with his team, his family, and decide whether it’s appropriate to continue or not.”
With Whyte reportedly earning a huge purse to face Itauma, now seems like the best time to bow out of the sport, especially since the loss will limit any future opportunities Whyte may have.
If he does remain in the sport, he could be lined up for Derek Chisora to beat in his final fight to conclude their rivalry, or could perhaps be matched up in a crossover bout with the likes of Francis Ngannou.
The Deontay Wilder fight could be another, as both men are well past their best, though all of these fights will be a much harder sell now that Whyte has been stopped in less than two minutes.
Moses Itauma could face one of Dillian Whyte’s former foes next
In what might seem like a backtrack in matchmaking, Itauma has suggested Jermaine Franklin may be next for him, as while his team have the utmost faith in his abilities, they would like to see him get some rounds in at this higher level.
Franklin took Whyte the distance in 2022 after his loss to Tyson Fury, and was defeated for the first time as Whyte edged a majority decision over the American.
Anthony Joshua faced Franklin next in his comeback fight after losing his rematch to Oleksandr Usyk, and defeated him by unanimous decision.
Other options for Itauma include Filip Hrgovic, Martin Bakole, Agit Kabayel, and more, though what is certain is whoever is next must come prepared.