Dillian Whyte has disclosed that he competed against Moses Itauma while suffering from a broken foot, revealing the severity of the injury that plagued him weeks prior to the bout. The British heavyweight is now focused on staging a return fight against compatriot Johnny Fisher.
Describing the initial trauma, Whyte compared the sensation to having a dumbbell dropped on his foot. The fracture occurred during training last summer while sparring agile opponents. Whyte stepped back incorrectly, causing the bone to snap cleanly. Despite the pain, he remained determined to fight, drawing on his history of overcoming debilitating injuries, including a damaged shoulder during his rivalry with Anthony Joshua.
However, the situation deteriorated just hours before the fight in Saudi Arabia last August. While warming up in the dressing room, Whyte jumped rope and reinjured the same foot, completely fracturing it again. A ringside doctor advised him not to compete, but Whyte refused, stating he had traveled too far to withdraw at the last minute. He believed he could drag Itauma into the later rounds and potentially stop him, similar to how Filip Hrgovic had previously defeated the younger challenger.
Whyte attempted to hide the extensive strapping on his foot, but his lack of mobility was quickly exposed. Itauma overwhelmed him with punches, leading to a first-round stoppage. Whyte chose not to publicize the injury immediately after the loss, respecting Itauma’s victory and feeling that full details might change public perception of the result. He expressed frustration that critics were quick to call for his retirement without understanding the circumstances.
The Brixton-born fighter emphasized that he belongs to a generation of entertaining British heavyweights nearing the end of their careers. He urged fans to appreciate boxers like himself while they are still active, warning of a potential drought in the division once they leave the ring.
Whyte recently showed support for Johnny Fisher from ringside as the latter secured a majority decision win over Michael Pirotton at the Copper Box Arena. Praise for Fisher’s courage and power was tempered by Whyte’s confidence that he would knock out his countryman. Whyte indicated openness to a bout in November or December.
Manager Michael Ofo confirmed that the fight has been agreed to in principle, following a handshake with Fisher’s manager Adam Morallee after Saturday’s event. Ofo described the prospect as a massive all-British event for London and called for the organizers to finalize the details immediately.
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