The heavyweight division might be booming right now, but let’s be honest — it’s also a total mess. Everyone thought we’d finally get clarity on Anthony Joshua’s next opponent, but instead, the confusion only deepened this week.
Whyte vs Joshua 2: A Deal That Fell Apart
It was widely expected that Joshua vs Whyte 2 would be announced last week. But speaking at the O2, Dillian Whyte declared the fight “dead.” Reports suggest he turned down a £5 million offer to fight AJ at Wembley on 13 April, opting instead to chase a bout with Dominic Breazeale to cement his WBC mandatory challenger status.
On one hand, that’s understandable. Becoming mandatory gives Whyte more leverage — and more money — down the line. But at 31, he doesn’t have years to waste. Every hard fight puts more miles on the clock. Sooner or later, you’ve got to stop thinking about paydays and start thinking about legacy. Take the title shot, win the belt, and then call the shots. It’s that simple.
Wembley Stadium — Booked but Unused?
Let’s not forget: Wembley was booked for AJ long before he fought Povetkin. That 13 April date has been circled by British fans for nearly two years — and now it looks like it’ll be scrapped. Yes, Joshua should defend his belts around the world. But surely, before heading to the US, he should’ve delivered one more big night for the home fans who built him.
Instead, it now looks likely that Joshua will make his American debut on 1 June at Madison Square Garden against Jarrell Miller. And here’s the problem — Miller’s not even a household name in the US, never mind globally. The money will be there, sure, but the buzz won’t. Casual fans won’t be drawn in, and that’s what transforms an event into a moment.
It’s Not Just Joshua: Wilder vs Fury 2 Also Stalling
This isn’t just a Joshua problem. The WBC recently extended the deadline for purse bids on the Wilder vs Fury rematch. Both camps were given another week to negotiate, but if nothing’s agreed, the fight will go to purse bids with a 60/40 split favouring Wilder.
That’s why Joshua couldn’t land the undisputed fight against Wilder for April — the WBC insisted Wilder face Fury first. So here we are: everyone circling each other, no one pulling the trigger.
The Bigger Problem: Boxing Politics Killing the Sport
Look, I know this might sound like a rant. But I’m just sick of watching boxing eat itself. Too many politics, too many promoters protecting assets, too few real fights being made. If this carries on, it won’t just be the heavyweight division that suffers — the entire sport is at risk.
Fans aren’t stupid. We want the best fighting the best. If we don’t get that, the casuals will drift, the buzz will fade, and boxing will slide further out of the mainstream.
Final Thoughts
I’m not anti-Joshua or anti-Hearn. I just miss the days when fights got made because fans wanted them. If we keep letting business dictate everything, boxing as we know it won’t survive.
What do you think? Is the heavyweight division beyond saving — or can the fighters and promoters get their act together before it’s too late?
I fully agree as a fan I won’t to see the best fighters fighting the best in there division nothing to do with money but unfortunately it’s all about money today a great topic all the same well done Chris.