Dillian Whyte labels Joe Joyce ‘boring’ and reveals worries about his future health

Heavyweights Dillian Whyte and Joe Joyce talked up their chances ahead of their April 5 fight in Manchester.

They will box at the Co-op Live Arena in a clash of veteran big men. The 39-year-old Joyce is 16-3 (15 KOs), and Whyte, who is 36, is 31-3 (21 KOs).

Joyce, who was defeated by Derek Chisora in July 2024, returns on March 1 with a bout in Bournemouth against Germany’s Patrick Korte.

“I’m very excited,” said Joyce. “It’s going to be a big show of heavyweight boxing. I have a fight beforehand to get ready on March 1st and I’ll be coming steaming ahead for this fight and I’m really excited and up for the challenge.”

Asked whether he felt he could stop Whyte at Monday’s press conference, Joyce responded: “Yeah, that’s the best way to win a fight.” 

“We’re going to have a big fight,” he added. “I’m going to punch you in the face; you’re going to try and punch me in the face and I’m gonna win at the end of the day. I’m confident in my ability… It is going to be an entertaining fight.”

Whyte, whose career has stalled in recent years after issues involving adverse findings with PEDs ahead of a scheduled return with Anthony Joshua, had two fights in 2024 – in Ireland and Gibraltar. 

He next boxes on a heavyweight show that includes the debut of the Olympian Delicious Orie, a bout between the former cruiserweights Lawrence Okolie and Richard Riakporhe, and a further heavyweight fight between Jeamie TKV and David Adeleye.

“It’s a big event – there’s a lot of big heavyweights up here,” Whyte said. “Joe Joyce said he’s going to knock me out on the 5th of April – we’ll see. Joe Joyce is going to put me to sleep but not by knocking him out because he’s fuckling boring. 

“He’s the only man I know who can put coffee to sleep. Boring as fuck. Great fighter, but a boring guy… I just come to fight. I never said I was the best fighter in the world but I come to fight.”

Of Joyce, Whyte began to mock his defense. 

“His main defense is to hit until he gets tired,” said Whyte.

“It works,” countered Joyce.

“It’s not working bro,” Whyte responded. “It’s all good now but 10 years from now, Jesus Christ. You’re go to your house and you’ll be sat outside and go, ‘I don’t live here.’”

Joyce laughed: “Maybe, but I’ve always been like that. From school days, wherever, so I’m used to it.”

Whyte then said: “Joe’s a nice guy – you can’t hate Joe. It’s going off. I’ve been waiting for my opportunities, the last few years have been rough and it’s here and I’m ready to take it with both hands.”