Whyte ‘blocking Joshua fight’ as Dubois thrown into the hat

Esteemed trainer Shane McGuigan claims that Dillian Whyte doesn’t want the Anthony Joshua fight and believes his fighter Daniel Dubois is the perfect next opponent for both men.

McGuigan’s comments are particularly offbeat considering how much Whyte has campaigned for the Joshua rematch over the years. With his latest victory over Jermaine Franklin, last month, he is now the ‘frontrunner’ to face AJ next and the idea that he wouldn’t want to box him after seven years of waiting is puzzling.

But perhaps this is merely a promotional tactic from Dubois’ side.

“Maybe. If we can have that [Anthony Joshua] fight, why not? Definitely. It comes down to getting people at the right time. AJ might think he’s getting Daniel at the right time when he hasn’t got the experience and potentially, he might think [Dubois’] confidence might be lacking,” McGuigan told Sky Sports.

“He’s got the WBA ‘regular’ title. He’s also showed in their eyes a bit of weakness in that last fight. Hopefully, they’ll step forward

“I think Dillian Whyte’s perfect. He’s just come off a win. Apparently, he doesn’t want the AJ fight at the moment. I don’t know if AJ’s going to be ready in that timeframe. That would be great for us.”

Dubois’ last contest against Kevin Lerena on the Tyson Fury vs Derek Chisora card was shrouded in controversy. Dubois picked himself up off the canvas three times in the opening round to stop the South African in the third but an objection has been lodged by Lerena’s representatives for what they describe as “biased” and “loyal” refereeing.

Lerena says that the first round was cut short by the timekeeper while he had Triple D in real trouble and that the referee had stepped in too early during the final stoppage. An investigation into the matter may follow if the WBA and British Boxing Board of Control see it fit although that is fairly unlikely.