Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn conveyed his sympathy for Dillian Whyte (31-4, 21 KOs) after witnessing his swift defeat in the first round against heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma (13-0, 11 KOs) on Saturday evening at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.
Hearn mentioned that Whyte, aged 37, should not have been matched against an opponent like Itauma at this point in his boxing journey. The period of inactivity only compounded the issue.
Hearn’s Sympathy for Whyte
“I’m truly impressed [with Itauma], but I feel a sense of sadness for Dillian. He probably shouldn’t have been in there, if I’m being frank,” Eddie Hearn expressed to Boxing News, in response to Dillian Whyte’s initial-round knockout loss to Moses Itauma on Saturday.
Hearn’s feelings for Whyte might seem misplaced. Whyte reportedly earned a substantial sum and is a wealthy individual with an estimated net worth exceeding $10 million. Few boxers can claim millionaire status. He has not secured a world title and encountered setbacks against formidable opponents. A notable victory occurred against Alexander Povetkin in their rematch, following Povetkin’s recovery from an illness. Whyte suffered a knockout defeat in their initial encounter with Povetkin but gained an advantage when the Russian fighter returned prematurely following an illness.
“That specific contest was a poor choice for him, given his lack of activity. I believe that outcome was probable. Knowing Dillian, nearing 38 years of age, it was difficult to observe. That factored into his acceptance of the bout. The financial reward was significant,” Hearn stated.
Whyte was not well-suited to face Itauma this evening, though his selection is understandable. He aligns with the profiles of Itauma’s recent adversaries, such as Demsey McKean, Mike Balogun, and Mariusz Wach. Considering Whyte’s performance tonight, he likely would have been defeated by many, if not all, of those fighters. McKean would likely beat him.
Decline in Dillian’s Resistance to Punches
“Dillian is courageous. He maintains the belief he can achieve victory, but we acknowledged the initial rounds would pose significant challenges. I did not foresee the severity of those challenges,” Hearn commented. “I believe his ability to withstand punches has waned. It involved numerous rapid blows to the side of the head, but not what I would call massive, concussive shots.”
Whyte’s challenges evident in his previous fight against Ebenezer Tetteh last December suggested a decline in his abilities. That encounter was one of several underwhelming performances Dillian has displayed since 2019, indicating a decline as a fighter, but also, that he was never that great.
Whyte’s Track Record of Subpar Performances
Consider his struggles against Oscar Rivas in 2019, Mariusz Wach, Alexander Povetkin, Tyson Fury, and Jermaine Franklin. These fights occurred within the past six years. All disappointing. Whyte was initially overrated, possessing only punching power without supporting skills or resilience.
“He did not appear stable on his feet, and against a skilled and exceptional boxer like Moses, navigating the initial phase becomes exceedingly difficult,” Hearn noted.
Whyte compounded his difficulties by retreating to the ropes and adopting a defensive posture during the first round. He did not offer significant counterattacks, appearing apprehensive about being countered by Itauma’s quicker strikes. His approach suggested a lack of confidence in his ability to absorb punches.
