Dillian Whyte vs Joseph Parker

Dillian Whyte vs. Joseph Parker, was a professional boxing match contested on 28 July 2018, for the WBC Silver and WBO International heavyweight titles.

Background
Since his WBC title eliminator victory over bitter rival Derek Chisora in December 2016, Dillian Whyte had fought Malcolm Tann (replacing first Mariusz Wach then Michael Grant) Robert Helenius (after talks with Dominic Breazeale broke down) and Lucas Browne. On 24 April 2018, the WBC ordered Whyte to face Luis Ortiz in an eliminator bout for their heavyweight champion, Deontay Wilder. Whyte stated that he felt 'betrayed' by this decision as he thought he was already in line to challenge Wilder next, given his number 1 ranking and WBC Silver belt. The WBC made number 2 ranked 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 a final eliminator. Promoter Eddie Hearn was also puzzled by the decision. At the same time, the IBF also ordered Whyte to fight former world title challenger Kubrat Pulev.

Although it was heavily rumoured that Whyte would face Luis Ortiz in a WBC final eliminator, on 7 June, it was confirmed that Whyte would instead fight former WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker, who had just became the boxer to last the full 12 rounds with Anthony Joshua. Parker had previously been linked with Alexander Ustinov and Bryant Jennings.

Although there was some criticism to the bout being on PPV the fight itself was praised by fans for the match up.

Chisora vs. Takam
Just before the main event in the chief support, Derek Chisora defeated former world title challenger Carlos Takam via 8th-round TKO, setting up a potential rematch with Whyte later in the year.

Main Event
In the 2nd round Parker was sent down by a headbutt that was ruled a knockdown. After that Whyte largely controlled the bout with his powerful jab, which kept Parker on the back foot. Most of the middle rounds were mostly back and forth action with both fighters having success. After round six, Whyte began to show fatigue. This did not prevent him from carrying on going forward and trying to land big shots as Parker was wary of Whyte's power. A chopping left hand from Whyte sent Parker down again in the 9th. Whyte also started using roughhouse tactics after the first few rounds. This included rabbit punches, head-butting, holding and hitting and pushing Parker over the ropes. He was warned once earlier in the fight and then warned again in the final rounds, however no points were deducted. Parker took over in the final rounds but was unable to put Whyte away. A tiring Whyte was knocked down after some quick right hands in the 12th and final round, but he was able to survive the last 20 seconds to the final bell. All three judges scored the bout for Whyte with scores of 113–111, 115–110 & 114–111.

Aftermath
Speaking to Sky Sports after the fight, Whyte gave Parker credit, "He was slick and I knew he was going to fight for the first few rounds, then come back in the final few rounds. I am annoyed I slipped at the final hurdle in the last round. I was rocked and took a few." Whyte stated he would take another fight before the end of 2018 and ready for Anthony Joshua in April 2019, "I would like to fight Joshua again if he wants it. I've still got a lot to learn, so I would like to get one more in before him again." Parker had no complaints and humble in defeat, "I gave it my best; the better man and I will come back stronger." Parker's trainer Kevin Barry was very vocal after the fight regarding Whyte's rough tactics, claiming he should have had points taken off.

In the post-fight press conference, Hearn spoke of Whyte's next potential fights. Derek Chisora was mentioned, however Whyte stated he was not interested as he 'had bigger fish to fry'. Hearn revealed he would offer Wilder in the region of £6 million ($8m US) to fight Whyte in New York. WBA (Regular) champion Manuel Charr and Luis Ortiz were also mentioned.

Ultimately Whyte agreed to face Chisora in December 2018.

Undercard
Confirmed bouts: