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Tony Bellew claims specific Dillian Whyte tactic ‘could be his downfall’ against Anthony Joshua

Tony Bellew

Tony Bellew thinks Anthony Joshua “must start the favourite” ahead of his fight against British rival Dillian Whyte on August 12.

Former world champion Tony Bellew reckons Anthony Joshua is "the favourite" heading into his rematch against Dillian Whyte. 

The two Brits are both coming off points victories over American heavyweight Jermaine Franklin.

In recent months, Joshua's team have been in talks with Saudi Arabia over a fight with Deontay Wilder in December.

It is understood that this huge bout is virtually agreed, but in the meantime, Joshua's next fight will be a rematch against Whyte at the O2 Arena on August 12.

In their first meeting in 2015, they treated fans to an all-British thriller and Joshua earned the bragging rights via a seventh-round stoppage victory.

Bellew has watched their respective careers closely over the years and he has "no idea where the loser goes" after this rematch.

"Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte have plenty of history together, but August 12 could be the last part of this heavyweight story because I've got absolutely no idea where the loser goes," Beller told DAZN Boxing.

"It's a big fight for British boxing, it's a big fight for the heavyweight division, and whoever comes out of this one with the win will be in a superb position to push forward for a huge fight."

Bellew has also argued that Whyte could "play into Joshua's hands" if he is aggressive and goes for the knockout.
"Over the last few months, we've got to see how good each man remains as they both went in the ring with the same man. Jermaine Franklin came over from America with solid enough credentials and although he gave Whyte a decent argument, he was well outclassed by Joshua in his next fight," Bellew added.
"Franklin's reputation went up in both contests, but it didn't tell us everything we really want to know about Joshua and Dillian. August 12 will tell us that.
"The fact these two go back years inside the ring means that we'll get the best possible versions on the night, and both will know exactly what's at stake.
"Some questions were asked of both men after their respective battles with Franklin, but everything will be answered here because this is two fighters who won't give an inch on the night because of their long history and because of what lies in front of them.
"As it stands, Joshua must start the favourite. He holds a stoppage win over Whyte in the professional game and he knows he can hurt him when the time comes.
"The Whyte we didn't see against Fury is what I expect to see next month but does that version play into Joshua's hands? I've always said that Joshua is better when opponents come to him. That's how I see Whyte approaching the fight and I believe it could be his downfall."

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