Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte have agreed to a heavyweight rematch at London's O2 Arena on August 12.
Joshua - the former unified world champion - is reportedly on the brink of agreeing terms to face Deontay Wilder in a blockbuster clash either in December or the New Year.
However, that showdown will only proceed if the 2012 Olympic Gold medallist is able to overcome Whyte more than seven-and-a-half years on from their initial encounter in December 2015.
Back then, the then-undefeated fighters served up a classic at the same venue in England's capital, with Whyte giving Joshua the biggest test of his career to date before being stopped in the seventh round.
A history of violence... 💥#JoshuaWhyte2 run it back on Aug 12 pic.twitter.com/CvLAYkEP78
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) July 6, 2023
Unlike that occasion when the reputation of both fighters was on the rise, their respective stocks have since fallen, with Joshua losing his world titles to Oleksandr Usyk and Whyte having been outclassed against WBC title holder Tyson Fury in April 2022.
Nevertheless, Joshua is fighting to secure a hotly-anticipated clash with Wilder in Saudi Arabia, whereas Whyte knows the riches that will be on offer if he can hand his old rival a fourth professional defeat.
Rather than wait for Wilder, Joshua has opted to take this fight for a further bout under coach Derrick James, who was in the corner when he defeated Jermaine Franklin on points in April.
Whyte has not fought since overcoming the same opponent in November, albeit in less convincing fashion with many feeling that the American had done enough to secure at least a draw.
