Dillian Whyte

Professional Career

Dillian Whyte started his professional journey on May 13, 2011, with a points win over Michael Matuszewski at Medway Park in Gillingham, England. Whyte quickly built momentum with victories over opponents like Remigijus Ziausys and Toni Visic, showcasing his knockout power early in his career. Throughout 2012, Whyte continued his ascent in the heavyweight ranks, securing wins against fighters such as Kristian Kirilov, Zurab Noniashvili, and Mike Holden, often finishing them within the first few rounds. However, a bout with Sandor Balogh in October 2012 was later ruled a no contest after a failed drug test.

After a brief hiatus, Whyte returned to the ring in 2014, continuing his winning streak with a series of knockout victories over Tomas Mrazek, Ante Verunica, Kamil Sokolowski, and Marcelo Luiz Nascimento. His momentum carried into 2015, where he achieved notable wins against Beka Lobjanidze and Brian Minto, capturing the WBC International Silver heavyweight title. A pivotal moment in Whyte’s career came on December 12, 2015, when he faced Anthony Joshua for the WBC International, Commonwealth, and vacant British heavyweight titles. Despite a valiant effort, Whyte suffered his first professional loss, being knocked out in the seventh round. Undeterred, Whyte bounced back with a string of victories, including wins over Ivica Bacurin, David Allen, and Derek Chisora in a thrilling split decision at Manchester Arena.

Whyte’s career reached new heights when he won the British heavyweight title against Ian Lewison and secured the WBC Silver heavyweight title by defeating Robert Helenius on October 28, 2017, at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. His relentless pursuit of the top continued with knockout victories over Lucas Browne and Derek Chisora, and a unanimous decision win against Joseph Parker in 2018. In 2019, Whyte claimed the WBC interim heavyweight title with a unanimous decision over Óscar Rivas. Although he faced a setback with a knockout loss to Alexander Povetkin on August 22, 2020, Whyte avenged this defeat with a fourth-round TKO win in a rematch on March 27, 2021, regaining the WBC interim heavyweight title.

On April 23, 2022, Whyte challenged Tyson Fury for the WBC and The Ring heavyweight titles but was stopped in the sixth round. He rebounded with a majority decision win over Jermaine Franklin on November 26, 2022, at Wembley Arena in London. Most recently, Whyte secured a victory over Christian Hammer on March 17, 2024, with Hammer retiring after the third round at TF Royal Theatre in Castlebar, Ireland.