Dillian Whyte gearing up for one final world heavyweight title run

Dillian Whyte has vowed to leave no stone unturned in his bid to finally establish himself as a world heavyweight champion as he embarks upon the final chapter of his long and decorated professional career.

The Brixton-based fighter was beaten by Tyson Fury in his one and only crack at blue-riband division gold three years ago, with many believing that would be his final opportunity to land one of the big four titles.

However, despite only fighting three times since his crushing sixth round stoppage defeat at Wembley Stadium, the recently turned 37-year-old - who is set to feature on the Fabio Wardley v Justis Huni undercard next month - is now ready to begin his latest title charge.

Acknowledging that this will be his final opportunity to fulfil his lifelong boxing dream, Whyte says it's imperative that he fine-tunes preparations for a big summer showdown over the coming months, even if that means playing second-fiddle to Wardley, who he, of course, manages.

"Look, inactivity has basically killed my career in the last three years and I have got to be active now, this is my last run," he told The Ring Magazine.

"I am looking at having a big fight at the end of July or early August and I just thought I need some activity before heading into that.

I thought I need to get active as quickly as possible because I want to fight for the title one more time - I’ll give everything I have left in my body to get there!

- Dillian Whyte (The Ring Magazine)

"So I want to put myself in the position that when it comes I’m not just there to take part but I’m going there with a high chance of winning because I will have some momentum behind me.

"The only way to get that is by putting my pride to one side and saying, 'You know what, I’ll take this opportunity.' I’ve always done that in my career.

"I fought Dereck Chisora as co-main event on a massive card and then in my next fight I boxed Malcolm Tann in an eight rounder at about 5pm, so this is about staying busy to put myself in a better position to give the fans big fights."

Whyte was originally set to tackle British foe Joe Joyce in a blockbuster showdown in April, only for a freak training injury to put pay to his hopes of facing, and beating, his Queensberry stablemate.

Talks to reschedule that fight failed to materialise with Whyte now set to take on an unconfirmed opponent as part of the undercard for Wardley's upcoming clash with Australian star Huni - where the winner is likely to become mandatory for a crack at Oleksandr Usyk's WBO strap.

The Londoner is understandably proud of Wardley's rise over the past couple of years, but says he has a few more fights left in him before he turns his hand to management on a more full time basis.

"He’s one win away from a world title shot now and I think he will get that win (against Huni) in about nine rounds," he added.

"I think he stops him, but I'll be honest, it sucks watching him fight. I much prefer doing the fighting myself.

"I was once the guy in my 20s running around making noise, now I’m in my 30s and there is a different process. Heavyweight boxing is crazy, man. One punch and you can just lose your life like that. You have to be smart.

"I’ve got a few more moves left in me yet though, and now it's all about maximising them."

Mark Mothershaw

• Queensberry
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