Dillian Whyte and Anthony Joshua sign up for heavyweight rematch at Greenwich’s 02 Arena

Brixton’s Dillian Whyte will face Anthony Joshua on August 12, eight years after their first meeting in the professional ranks.

Both men have carved out careers in the heavyweight division since although Whyte has failed to land a world title, being knocked out by WBC champion Tyson Fury in April 2022.

Joshua has held the WBA, IBF and WBO world titles but his star has also waned after back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk. Coupled with his shock stoppage lost to Andy Ruiz Jr, subsequently avenged, there is a fragility about the Watford puncher.

No titles will be on the line at Greenwich’s 02 Arena. DAZN will screen the event with promoters Matchroom Boxing hoping Joshua comes through and sets up a money-spinning clash with Deontay Wilder in Saudi Arabia either at the end of this year or start of 2024.

Usyk is tied up with a mandatory defence of his WBA title against Greenwich’s Daniel Dubois on August 26 in Wroclaw, Poland.

“I’m looking forward to returning to the London O2 on August 12 and going to war,” said Whyte, who holds a win over Joshua in the amateurs but was halted in the seventh round in 2015 at the same venue at this summer’s event. “It’s 1-1 so this is the decider.”

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.”

Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn said: “I can’t quite believe this fight is happening and there was absolutely no stopping either man.

“The rivalry runs deep and there is something about these two where they will never back down from each other.

“At times it may have looked like a game of bluff but now we are set and with everything that’s on the line this is an absolute must win for both. Just like the first time at The O2, get ready for fireworks August 12 and a huge night of boxing live on DAZN.”

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