Dillian Whyte

Dillian Whyte
Born	(1988-04-11) 11 April 1988 Port Antonio, Portland, Jamaica
Other names	The Villain The Body Snatcher
Nationality	British
Height	6 ft 4 in (193 cm)
Division	Heavyweight Super-heavyweight
Reach	78 in (198 cm)
Stance	Orthodox
Years active	2008 (MMA) 2011–present (boxing)
Professional boxing record
Total	24
Wins	23
By knockout	17
Losses	1
By knockout	1
Mixed martial arts record
Total	1
Wins	1
By knockout	1
Losses	0
Other information
Boxing record from BoxRec
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
Last updated on: 4 March 2017

Dillian Whyte (born 11 April 1988) is a British professional boxer. He has held the WBC Silver heavyweight title since 2017, and previously the British heavyweight title from 2016 to 2017. Whyte is also a former kickboxing champion, having held the BIKMA British super-heavyweight title and the European K1 title, and has competed professionally in mixed martial arts.

As of March 2018, Whyte is ranked as the world's sixth best active heavyweight by the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board, seventh by The Ring magazine, and ninth by BoxRec.

Early life

Whyte was born in Port Antonio, Portland, Jamaica. In 2000, Whyte moved with his family, including his brother Dean, to the United Kingdom at 12 years of age. Of his early life Whyte has spoken of performance in academia at school in England, while adding: "I had no schooling at all when I lived in Jamaica."

Whyte grew up in Brixton, Lambeth and fought at Miguel's Boxing Gym.

[...] Boxing saved me and changed my life.

He had spoken of the influencing experience boxing has had upon his early life, by stating: "I didn't do too well at school, to be honest, but boxing saved me and changed my life. And it was going well, because I knew it was my best chance in life."

Professional kickboxing career

Originally, Whyte was a professional kickboxer, to which he became two-time British heavyweight kickboxing champion by claiming the BIKMA Super Heavyweight British Championship title, and one-time European K1 champion, while being ranked UK #1 for five years in his weight category of 95 kg +, ending his kickboxing career with a K-1 record of 20–1, before then turning to MMA. Whyte made his professional MMA debut on December 6, 2008, at the Ultimate Challenge MMA, on the James McSweeney vs. Neil Grove undercard, where he defeated Mark Stroud with a hugely destructive left hook only 12 seconds into the round; ultimately winning by KO at The Troxy.

Kickboxing highlights

• Defeated Daniel Sam (United Kingdom) UD-3
• Lost to Chris Knowles (United Kingdom) – Went to a deciding round for Knowles to become the new Pain & Glory UK K1 Champion – UD-4
• Defeated Will Riva (United Kingdom) to claim the WPKL British Heavyweight Title KO-3

Amateur boxing career

In his first amateur bout, in 2009, aged 20, Whyte beat Anthony Joshua by unanimous decision over three rounds. He had stated prior to the fight that his trainer Chris Okoh admitted that the decision to agree to the fight was then considered a risk, albeit ultimately accepting the fight to which Whyte had stated, "But I said I'd take it. Sometimes you've just got to take opportunities when they come."

He left one of his amateur opponents in a coma for several weeks, due to a knockout.

Whyte has a limited amateur record because of a dispute with the ABA regarding his kickboxing background, which led him to turn professional in 2011, although trainer Okoh wanted him to remain amateur. Whyte signed with boxing promoter Frank Maloney, after friends of Maloney witnessed sparring sessions Whyte had with David Haye and former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Quinton Jackson.

Professional boxing career

Early career

Whyte made his professional debut on 13 May 2011. He fought Tayar Mehmed and won via decision in the fourth round, obtaining the decision of 40-36. On 16 September 2011, Whyte made his second professional appearance against his Lithuanian heavyweight journeyman opponent Remigijus Ziausys. Whyte ultimately won by PTS in the fourth round, obtaining the decision of 40-37.

On 3 December 2011 Whyte defeated Croatian Toni Visic, winning by TKO in the third round due to referee Jeff Hinds stopping the fight at 1.46.

The next fight for Whyte was against veteran journeyman Hastings Rasani on 21 January 2012 at the Liverpool Olympia in Liverpool. Whyte scored a fourth round in based on a points decision over Rasani, making it his third win on points.

For his fifth professional bout, Whyte defeated Bulgarian Kristian Kirilov by TKO in the first round at The Troxy, Limehouse on 2 March 2012, which as followed by an additional TKO in his sixth bout in the first round on 19 May 2012 against Georgian Zurab Noniashvili at the Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool. Whyte went on to fight Hungarian giant Gabor Farkas at the York Hall, Bethnal Green on 7 July 2012, winning by KO when the referee Ken Curtis stopped the contest in the second round; it marked the first KO victory in Whyte's professional career.

Two months later on 15 September 2012, Whyte challenged former British heavyweight champion Mike Holden to a bout scheduled for six rounds. Holden was put down once in the 2nd and twice in the 3rd round, to which referee Jeff Hinds stopped the fight. Whyte's last fight of 2012 was against Sandor Balogh, which took place in Bluewater, Greenhithe, Kent on the James DeGale undercard when DeGale fought Hadiliah Mohoumadi for the EBU Super Middleweight title on 13 October 2012. Whyte won the bout but was later stripped of the win due to testing positive for banned substances.

Drug ban in 2012

A sample for an in-competition drugs test that Whyte had provided after his victory over Hungary's Sandor Balogh on 13 October was examined and subsequently tested positive for the banned stimulant Methylhexaneamine (MHA). The revelation came and was learned while Whyte was en route to a news conference to announce a fight for the English title. The UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) organisation confirmed that Whyte was provisionally suspended from all competition from 5 November 2012. An independent National Anti-Doping Panel too found that the case warranted a two-year ban. However, Whyte appealed the ban, though the appeal panel retorted by emphasising the confirmed two-year ban; the tribunal had accepted Whyte's claim that he did not knowingly take Methylhexaneamine, but rejected his appeal because he did not do enough to check the supplement's ingredients, as Charles Flint QC, the chairman of the appeal tribunal, explained in his written verdict.

In its first instance decision, the National Anti-Doping Panel (NADP) found that Whyte failed to seek professional or medical advice before using the supplement Jack3D, which he had bought over the counter from a nutritional supplement shop. Consequently, they stated that he had "failed to discharge the burden of establishing that he was not significantly at fault" and therefore could not reduce his sanction from two years. The appeal panel agreed with this decision, stressing that the case emphasises "the dangers of athletes taking supplements which contain MHA".

Whyte was thereby banned from all competitions with a period of ineligibility from 13 October 2012 to 12 October 2014, and the result against Sandor Balogh disqualified. As Whyte and company exercised the right to appeal under article 13.4.1, they have no further right to appeal under the rules.

Return to boxing in 2014

Whyte was cleared to compete from 12 October 2014, since his two-year ban by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) and returned to boxing on 21 November 2014 at the Camden Centre, Kings Cross, London to fight Croatian boxer Ante Verunica, a fight which lasted all but two rounds as Whyte delivered a hard shot that forced a stoppage, from referee Jeff Hinds, and return with a TKO victory. On 28 November, one week after his fight with Verunica, Whyte returned to the Camden Centre and put on another dominating display stopping Tomas Mrazek, with Whyte knocking the durable Mrazek down three times in the third round.

On 20 December 2014, Whyte scored another TKO win, this time over heavyweight hope Kamil Sokolowski in three rounds in City Hall, Hull, Yorkshire.

Whyte followed up his Sokolowskia win with a KO victory over Brazilian Marcelo Luiz Nascimento on 7 February 2015 at the Camden Centre, Kings Cross, to which the Brazilian had never been stopped as quickly in his career.

Whyte's next fight after Nascimento was against undefeated Georgian Beka Lobjanidze, which took place on 28 February in the Odyssey Arena, Belfast, Northern Ireland on the undercard of The World Is Not Enough Belfast boxing card featuring Carl Frampton's defense against Christopher Avalos for the IBF World Super Bantamweight title. Whyte scored a fourth round stoppage over Lobjanidze in a scheduled 10-round Heavyweight bout, as Whyte landed a hard left to the side of the head which sent Lobjanidze to the canvas and he was unable to beat referee Phil Edwards' count at 1:10 of round four, and winning by KO.

On 1 August 2015, Whyte faced Brazilian Irineu Beato Costa Junior, at the KC Lightstream Stadium, Hull on the undercard of Rumble on the Humber featuring Luke Campbell's clash against Tommy Coyle for the WBC Lightweight title eliminator. Whyte sent the Brazilian crashing backwards to the canvas, and referee Michael Alexander stopped the fight with two minutes forty-one seconds remaining in the first round as Whyte deposited Costa back to the floor by a booming right hand.

Following his victory over Costa Junior, it was announced that Whyte will face American Brian Minto at The O2 Arena for the WBC International Silver Heavyweight title on the undercard of Anthony Joshua's title clash with Gary Cornish on 12 September. He defeated Minto by KO in the third round, having already knocked him down once in the first round en route to finishing the fight.

Whyte vs. Joshua

On 14 September 2015, it was announced that Whyte would fight old rival Anthony Joshua for the vacant British heavyweight title on 12 December at the O2 Arena in London on Sky Sports Box Office. Joshua was able to use his power to hurt Whyte in the first round. He appeared hurt again in the second round but was able to catch Joshua with a counterpunch and follow it up, leaving Joshua visibly shaken, Whyte also landed several body shots towards the end of the round that winded Joshua further leaving him much less mobile. This continued somewhat in the third round with Joshua still looking tired and stiff legged. As the rounds went on, Joshua regained his composure and took control. Whyte took many hard shots before coming back with his own, his chin has since been lauded by critics. Whyte was rocked again in the seventh round from a heavy right hand to the temple. Joshua was able to follow through and landed an uppercut that put Whyte down through the ropes and knocked him out.

Career from 2016–2017

Following the loss to Joshua, Whyte spent some time recovering from a shoulder surgery and returned to the boxing ring on Joshua's first world title defence at the O2 Arena on 25 June 2016. Prior to the fight, Whyte signed a deal with Matchroom Sport. Whyte defeated Ivica Bacurin via knockout. Whyte started off slow, before working on the jab and knocking Bacurin out with a right hand.

Whyte next fought at the First Direct arena on July 30 against David Allen for the vacant WBC International heavyweight title. In what was expected to be a tough fight for Whyte, the fight went the full 10 round distance. Whyte won the fight with a comfortable decision win with the judges scoring the fight 99-91, 100-91 and 100-90.

It was announced on 19 September that Whyte would fight domestic veteran Ian Lewison for the vacant British heavyweight title in Glasgow on the undercard of Burns vs. Relikh on 7 October. Whyte and Lewison had to be separated at the weigh-in press conrerence after Whyte mocked Lewison's weight and grabbed his chest showing off flab. Both fighters promised knockouts. Whyte defeated Lewison to claim the vacant title via a 10th round stoppage victory. The fight was stopped in round 10 by Lewison’s corner. It appeared that he had a nose problem that caused the fight to be halted. Although Lewison looked good from the opening bell, Whyte started taking control from round 3 onwards. In round 10, Lewison turned his back to started blowing his nose. Whyte missed with a big right hand. From there on, Lewison started boxing defensively before the fight was eventually stopped, declaring Whyte the winner.

Whyte vs. Chisora

Terms were finally agreed for a fight between Whyte and bitter London rival Dereck Chisora (26-6, 18 KOs) to fight in a WBC title eliminator. Whyte and Chisora had been feuding over the year through social media. The fight took place on Sky Box Office in the UK on the undercard off Anthony Joshua vs. Éric Molina for the IBF heavyweight title. The fight was slated to be Whyte's first defence of the British heavyweight title he won against Lewison. However, at the final press conference on 7 December, following Whyte's comment that he'd attack Chisora anytime he sees him after the fight, Chisora picked up the table he was sitting at and threw it towards Whyte, just missing everyone in the way which included the promoters and trainers. As a result, the BBBofC withdrew their sanction of the fight and the British title will not be at stake. Whyte's WBC International title was at stake instead. In an epic and clean grudge match, both fighters were hurt, with Chisora and Whyte showing a lot of heart. Whyte won via a controversial split decision. Two judges scoring the fight 115-113 and 115-114 for Whyte and one scoring 115-114 in favour of Chisora. Whyte was hurt a number of times in the fight by Chisora in the 8th, 10th and 12th rounds. On two occasions in the 12th, Whyte was knocked off balance by Chisora after being hit with huge shots to the head. Post fight, Whyte stated he would not give Chisora a rematch but changed his mind later saying he would be open to a rematch.

In April 2017 it was announced that Whyte would headline a card at The O2 Arena on 3 June 2017. Whyte listed Bryant Jennings, Mariusz Wach, Artur Szpilka and Gerald Washington as potential opponents. On 14 April, Washington put his name forward wanting to get back into the world title mix following his failed attempt to dethrone WBC champion Deontay Wilder in February 2017. On 19 April, Matchroom Boxing revealed Whyte's opponent would be 37 year old former world title challenger Mariusz Wach (33-2, 17 KOs). The fight was to take place live on Sky Sports and would also feature younger talents including Reece Bellotti, Ted Cheeseman and Lawrence Okolie. The fight was postponed on 16 May due to Whyte injuring his foot. There was no immediate mention as to when the fight would be rescheduled for.

In early June, promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom confirmed that Whyte would be making his US debut in the Summer of 2017 in order to earn himself a potential world title match by the end of the year. On 25 July, Hearn announced that Whyte would fight 44 year old former world title challenger Michael Grant (48-7, 36 KOs), who was on a three fight losing streak since 2013. Grant had only fought once since October 2014, which took place in April 2017 in a knockout loss to Polish contender Krzysztof Zimnoch. Grant unsuccessfully challenged then unified heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis in 2000. The fight lasted less than six minutes. The announcement received a lot of criticism and bad press from the media and fans. Two days later, Grant confirmed the fight was cancelled. On August 6, after struggling to find an opponent, Hearn revealed that Whyte would fight 15 year veteran Malcolm Tann (24-5, 13 KOs) in a scheduled 8 round fight. Whyte knocked Tann down four times en route to wining the fight via TKO in round 3. Whyte admitted he needed a bigger challenge towards the end of the year before a potential world title fight.

Whyte vs. Helenius

Eddie Hearn announced that Whyte would fight on the Anthony Joshua vs. Kubrat Pulev card on 28 October at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. Finnish boxer Robert Helenius and Australian boxer Lucas Browne were a couple of names mentioned. On September 14, seven weeks before the fight, Ricky Hatton stated Browne wouldn't take up the fight due to being short notice. Some reported suggested Whyte would fight Finnish boxer and former two-time European champion Robert Helenius (25-1, 16 KOs). After Ortiz failed a drug test, leaving Wilder without an opponent, Whyte offered to take his place. The world title fight was ultimately given to mandatory challenger Bermane Stiverne for 4 November. Jarrell Miller was also considered an option before he booked himself a fight with Mariusz Wach in New York. On 4 October Hearn revealed he was interested in getting Dominic Breazeale to fight Whyte, where the winner could potentially fight the winner of the Wilder vs. Stiverne rematch. A couple of days later, Breazeale accepted the challenge. The talks eventually broke down. On 15 October, Hearn announced Whyte vs. Helenius. Whyte failed to impress as he defeated Helenius over 12 rounds via unanimous decision. The scorecards read 119-109, 119-109, 118-110 all in favour of Whyte. Helenius started the fight well hurting Whyte in the second round. Whyte bounced back and dominated the remainder of the fight with Helenius reluctant to throw anything meaningful to win the rounds. With the win, Whyte claimed the vacant WBC Silver heavyweight title, moving him a step closer to fighting world champion Wilder.

Career from 2018

Whyte vs. Browne

On 11 January 2018, the fight between Whyte and Australian heavyweight contender Lucas Browne (25-0, 22 KOs) was finally made, to take place at the O2 Arena in London on 24 March. Whyte's WBC Silver title would be at stake. Speaking of the fight, Whyte said, "I can't wait, I hate Lucas Browne and I want to hurt him. He's said some nasty things and he's going to have to pay for them." Whyte hit Browne with a hard left hook to the head in the round 6 to knock him down and out unconscious, winning the fight. There was no count made and the fight was waived off immediately with ringside doctors attending to Browne before giving him oxygen. The fight was officially stopped at 0:37 of the round. Browne’s face was cut and badly swollen from the clean shots landed from Whyte. Browne left himself open most of the time and tried switching stances after a few rounds. Browne suffered a cut over his left eye in round 3, which got worse with each round. Whyte then bloodied Browne’s nose in round 5. After the fight, Browne was stretchered to a nearby hospital for precaution and Whyte called out WBC champion Deontay Wilder for a fight in June 2018. Promoter Hearn said, “I hope the WBC make Dillian mandatory now, the fight is there for Deontay Wilder in June. We have to force the shot and after that performance, he deserves the shot.” Hearn stated there could be a possibility that the WBC order a final eliminator between Whyte and Dominic Breazeale.

Whyte vs. Parker

On 24 April, the WBC ordered Whyte vs. Luis Ortiz in an eliminator bout for their heavyweight champion, Deontay Wilder. Whyte felt 'betrayed' by this decision from the WBC as he thought he was already in line to challenge Wilder next. The WBC made Dominic Breazeale the mandatory challenger, although they previously confirmed his win over Eric Molina was not a final eliminator. Whyte stated, if anything, the WBC should order Whyte vs. Breazeale as the final eliminator. Promoter Eddie Hearn was also puzzled by the decision. At the same time, the IBF also ordered Whyte to fight Bulgarian former world title challenger Kubrat Pulev(25-1, 13 KO). A purse bid was set for 10 May. The purse bids were delayed as a deal between Hearn and Team Sauerland, Pulev's promoter was close to being agreed. The IBF gave them until 24 May. Despite Whyte stating that Pulev did not want the fight, Pulev stated he was more than happy to fight Whyte, but "a lot of things need to be agreed" before the fight could be confirmed. According to Nisse Sauerland, the date of 28 July was being discussed with the host venue being either London or Bulgaria. New York based promotional company, Epic Sports & Entertainment made a purse bid of $1,500,111, winning the rights of the fight. Eddie Hearn offered $831,111, which was higher than the $801,305 bid from Team Sauerland. IBF ruling states for a final eliminator, the higher ranked boxer, in this case was Pulev, would get 75% ($1,125,083.25) and Whyte would earn $375,027.75 for the fight. On 6 June, although the Whyte vs. Pulev fight was not off the table, it was heavily rumoured via multiple sources that Whyte would instead fight Cuban boxer Luis Ortiz in a WBC final elimiantor. Many media outlets announced the fight.

On the morning of 7 June, it was confirmed that Whyte would instead fight former WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker (24-1, 18 KOs) on 28 July at The O2 Arena in London on Sky Box Office. An official press conference followed a few hours later. Many fans took to social media stating their frustration around the fight being on pay-per-view. Whyte along with Parker's promoter Dave Higgins explained their reasons as to why the fight deserved to be on the PPV platform.

Personal life

Whyte has three children, including two boys. He has highlighted his early boxing idols, including such as Jack Dempsey, Sonny Liston, Archie Moore, Lennox Lewis, and James Toney. On 23 March 2015, as part of Evelyn Grace Academy's Sport Week, Whyte appeared alongside footballer Brede Hangeland and rugby union player Natasha Brennan to speak to the students of his profession and to impart advice and provide inspiration.

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown

1 match	1 win	0 losses
By knockout	1	0

Res.	Record	Opponent	Method	Event	Date	Round	Time	Location	Notes
Win	1–0	Mark Stroud	KO (punch)	UCMMA 1: Bad Breed	6 December 2008	1	0:12	London, England

Professional boxing record

24 fights	23 wins	1 loss
By knockout	17	1
By decision	6	0

No.	Result	Record	Opponent	Type	Round, time	Date	Location	Notes
25	—	—	Joseph Parker	—	– (12)	28 Jul 2018	The O2 Arena, London, England
24	Win	23–1	Lucas Browne	KO	6 (12), 0:37	24 Mar 2018	The O2 Arena, London, England	Retained WBC Silver heavyweight title
23	Win	22–1	Robert Helenius	UD	12	28 Oct 2017	Principality Stadium, Cardiff, Wales	Won vacant WBC Silver heavyweight title
22	Win	21–1	Malcolm Tann	TKO	3 (8), 2:36	19 Aug 2017	Pinnacle Bank Arena, Lincoln, Nebraska, US
21	Win	20–1	Dereck Chisora	SD	12	10 Dec 2016	Manchester Arena, Manchester, England	Retained WBC International heavyweight title
20	Win	19–1	Ian Lewison	RTD	10 (12), 3:00	7 Oct 2016	The SSE Hydro, Glasgow, Scotland	Won vacant British heavyweight title
19	Win	18–1	David Allen	UD	10	30 Jul 2016	First Direct Arena, Leeds, England	Won vacant WBC International heavyweight title
18	Win	17–1	Ivica Bacurin	KO	6 (8), 2:08	25 Jun 2016	The O2 Arena, London, England
17	Loss	16–1	Anthony Joshua	KO	7 (12), 1:27	12 Dec 2015	The O2 Arena, London, England	For WBC International, Commonwealth, and vacant British heavyweight titles
16	Win	16–0	Brian Minto	KO	3 (10), 2:36	12 Sep 2015	The O2 Arena, London, England	Won vacant WBC Silver International heavyweight title
15	Win	15–0	Irineu Beato Costa Junior	TKO	1 (8), 2:41	1 Aug 2015	Craven Park, Hull, England
14	Win	14–0	Beka Lobjanidze	KO	4 (10), 1:10	28 Feb 2015	Odyssey Arena, Belfast, Northern Ireland
13	Win	13–0	Marcelo Luiz Nascimento	KO	2 (8), 0:41	7 Feb 2015	Camden Centre, London, England
12	Win	12–0	Kamil Sokolowski	TKO	3 (6), 2:23	20 Dec 2014	City Hall, Hull, England
11	Win	11–0	Tomas Mrazek	TKO	3 (6), 2:25	28 Nov 2014	Camden Centre, London, England
10	Win	10–0	Ante Verunica	TKO	2 (6), 2:30	21 Nov 2014	Camden Centre, London, England
9	Win	9–0	Sandor Balogh	TKO	4 (6), 1:13	13 Oct 2012	Bluewater, Stone, England
8	Win	8–0	Michael Holden	TKO	3 (6), 1:35	15 Sep 2012	York Hall, London, England
7	Win	7–0	Gabor Farkas	KO	2 (6), 1:38	7 Jul 2012	York Hall, London, England
6	Win	6–0	Zurab Noniashvili	TKO	1 (6), 0:52	19 May 2012	Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool, England
5	Win	5–0	Kristian Kirilov	TKO	1 (6), 1:33	2 Mar 2012	Troxy, London, England
4	Win	4–0	Hastings Rasani	PTS	4	21 Jan 2012	Liverpool Olympia, Liverpool, England
3	Win	3–0	Toni Visic	TKO	3 (4), 1:46	3 Dec 2011	York Hall, London, England
2	Win	2–0	Remigijus Ziausys	PTS	4	16 Sep 2011	The Coronet, London, England
1	Win	1–0	Tayar Mehmed	PTS	4	13 May 2011	Medway Park, Gillingham, England	Professional debut

External links

• Boxing record for Dillian Whyte from BoxRec (registration required)
• Professional MMA record for Dillian Whyte from Sherdog