After a devastating 119-second knockout loss to rising star Moses Itauma on August 16, former heavyweight contender Dillian Whyte hasn’t given in to calls for retirement.
Instead, he’s lit the fire underneath him that made him one of the UK’s most popular heavyweights as Whyte vows to return.
Dillian Whyte is not done yet
“This is not where my story ends. I may have lost this fight, but not the fire that built me. Thank you to everyone who’s been standing by me through the highs and the lows. I’ll be back.”
But not everyone agrees that the path forward is clear or wise. Itauma wiped out Whyte within a round, exposing frailties not seen in Whyte since the Tyson Fury fight.
After witnessing those two performances three years apart, boxing voices urged Whyte to hang up the gloves.
Joseph Parker, an old rival, didn’t mince words after the shock loss.
“He’s done well in his career. He’s done everything he can in boxing; he’s achieved a lot. He’s probably made some great money,” Parker told talkSPORT.
‘Showtime’ Shawn Porter, speaking on his podcast, was blunt.
“I retired Dillian Whyte in my mind about three years ago. But respectfully, the dude probably should have been retired closer to five years ago.”
Johnny Nelson, former cruiserweight champ, voiced concern for Whyte.
“If Dillian Whyte is going to fight again, who does he fight? – I hope he retires, but the choice is his,” Nelson told Sky.
Buddy McGirt, Whyte’s trainer, offered a softer but pointed perspective, calling for time, which his former pupil gave all of nine days.
“In my opinion, he should go home because he’s at the crossroads in his career,” McGirt stated.
Whyte pushes back and plans ahead
Whyte, 37, has endured three high-profile losses since 2022, along with a doping incident (cleared as a contaminated supplement) and extended stretches of inactivity.
Yet, he remains resolute that his heart is still in the ring.
Speculation now focuses on potential domestic fights to regain momentum, with plenty of names in the mix.
However, with those calling for retirement out there, The Body Snatcher’s next move is under heavy scrutiny.
A warm-up before another big fight seems to be the recommended blueprint.
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.