The heavyweight division is buzzing right now. Anthony Joshua’s a superstar. Deontay Wilder’s knocking people out for fun. Joseph Parker’s holding a world title. Even Tyson Fury’s teasing a comeback. But where’s the noise for Dillian Whyte?
He’s back in action this weekend, defending his WBC Silver belt against Lucas Browne — and if he wins, he should be in line for a world title shot. But will he get it?
That’s the problem.
Climbing Back from the Brink
In 2012, Whyte’s career looked dead in the water. A two-year ban for a failed drug test derailed everything. But since returning in 2014, he’s been relentless. Knockout after knockout. Belt after belt. In just over a year, he won five straight, including the WBC International Silver title.
Then came the big one: Joshua vs Whyte, December 2015. That grudge match exploded in front of a packed O2 Arena and ended with Whyte becoming the first man to properly test Joshua — before getting stopped in the seventh. It was a loss, but his stock rose.
He went toe-to-toe with the future of British boxing and came out with respect.
The Run Since
After a shoulder injury layoff, Whyte returned and linked up with Matchroom, setting his sights on the WBC crown. He beat Dave Allen, then stopped Ian Lewison for the British title. But his real breakout came in December 2016 against Dereck Chisora — a 12-round war that stole the show on the Joshua–Molina undercard.
It was brutal. It was close. It was unforgettable. And Whyte got the nod.
Yet, no title shot.
Instead, he went to the States and smashed Malcolm Tann. Then he outboxed Robert Helenius to win the WBC Silver title — again putting himself in line for Wilder.
Still nothing.
Now he faces the undefeated, dangerous Lucas Browne. And once again, he’s having to fight his way into conversations he should already be part of.
Boxing’s Awkward Truth
Whyte is a promoter’s nightmare and a matchmaker’s headache: too risky for some, not a belt-holder, and never shy of calling people out. He’s done everything right — fought real opponents, stayed active, sold tickets — but keeps getting overlooked in favour of bigger names or easier fights.
At just 29, Whyte has time on his side. But in this business, opportunities don’t always come to those who earn them. Sometimes, they go to those who shout the loudest.
Whyte’s been shouting for years. Is anyone listening?
If Whyte wins this weekend — and wins well — there’s no excuse left. He’s ready. He’s proven. And if the heavyweight division is really thriving, it should have room for a fighter like Dillian Whyte at the very top.
What do you think? Is Whyte the heavyweight division’s forgotten man — or just a victim of boxing politics? Let me know in the comments.
Totally agree with you Chris as I writing this I know Dillian Whyte won last night making him the number one contender and call out Wilder and as you pointed out he should be next in line a head of Joshua and me personally hope he beates him making a mouth watering unification with Joshua all the best billy.