“I Want to Smash Him” – Anthony Joshua Names His Number One Enemy Who He Hates the Most

Anthony Joshua, the former unified world heavyweight champion, has never been one to shy away from intense rivalries or dramatic pre-fight trash talk. Over the course of his illustrious career, the British superstar has traded verbal jabs with several high-profile names, including Tyson Fury, Andy Ruiz Jr., and Oleksandr Usyk. Yet, despite facing—and even losing to—some of the biggest names in the sport, only one opponent has earned Joshua’s true hatred: Dillian Whyte.

In a brutally honest admission, Joshua once confessed:

“I’m rooting for Dillian (against Fury), even though I hate him, and I want to smash him one of these days.”

This statement wasn’t made lightly. The bad blood between Joshua and Whyte runs deep, and it’s a feud that has been simmering for over a decade. With Dillian Whyte preparing to make a comeback and Anthony Joshua’s next opponent yet to be confirmed, could boxing fans finally see the long-awaited trilogy that reignites one of the sport’s most volatile rivalries?

Anthony Joshua’s Championship Legacy

Anthony Joshua, now 35 years old, launched his professional boxing career in 2013 after winning a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics in the super-heavyweight division. Just a few years later, he began a historic reign as a heavyweight champion, capturing the IBF title in 2016, and adding the WBA and WBO belts to his collection by 2018.

Joshua reclaimed his titles in 2019 after defeating Andy Ruiz Jr. in a high-stakes rematch, bouncing back from the shocking TKO loss that had momentarily derailed his ascent. However, his reign came to an end again in 2021 when he was decisively outboxed by Oleksandr Usyk, who exposed some of AJ’s long-standing tactical vulnerabilities.

Since then, Joshua has tried to reboot his career, scoring wins against names like Jermaine Franklin, Otto Wallin, and Francis Ngannou, and silencing critics who claimed his time at the top had expired. Yet, many still believe Joshua has something to prove—especially against the rivals who bring out the fire in him.

Anthony Joshua’s Professional Record (as of May 19, 2025)

• Total Fights: 32

• Wins: 28

  • By Knockout: 25

  • By Decision: 3

• Losses: 4

  • By Knockout: 2

  • By Decision: 2

While his knockout percentage remains one of the highest among active heavyweights, the defeats to Ruiz and Usyk have left lingering questions about his durability and mindset. Still, AJ remains a box office attraction and a legitimate title contender.

The Tyson Fury Saga That Never Materialized

For years, fans have demanded a showdown between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, a battle between Britain’s two heavyweight kings. The back-and-forth between the two fighters has been as entertaining as any in boxing, with Fury labeling Joshua as “robotic” and Joshua criticizing Fury’s inconsistencies and constant retirements.

Despite intense negotiations and endless hype, the bout never came to fruition, primarily due to Fury’s flirtations with retirement and promoter conflicts. When Fury officially stepped away from the sport, many viewed it as the final nail in the coffin for what would have been the biggest British boxing event in decades.

But while Fury may have escaped the ring without facing Joshua, Dillian Whyte is still lingering in the shadows, ready to revive a rivalry that may be even more personal.

Why Dillian Whyte Is Anthony Joshua’s Most-Hated Rival

Ask Anthony Joshua about his biggest rivals, and you’ll hear familiar names—Fury, Usyk, Ruiz. But when asked about who he truly despises, Joshua doesn’t hesitate: it’s Dillian Whyte.

This isn’t your typical promotional beef. Their rivalry is deeply personal, tracing back to their amateur days in 2009, where Whyte scored a decision win over a then-green Joshua. That loss stung AJ—and planted the seed for a long-standing grudge that has only intensified over time.

Their professional rematch in 2015, dubbed “Bad Intentions”, was an explosive affair. Both men entered with undefeated records and bitter animosity, and the buildup was marked by fiery press conferences and hostile face-offs. Joshua emerged victorious via seventh-round TKO, but the verbal war never truly ended.

In a now-infamous exchange before that bout, Whyte sneered,

“You got bashed up,” referencing their amateur encounter.
To which Joshua fired back,
“You talk too much.”

That energy has never faded. Even as both men went on to headline cards and climb the rankings, the disdain remained.

Why the Timing for Joshua vs. Whyte III Is Perfect

With Dillian Whyte scheduled to return in June 2025, following an injury that delayed his fight against Joe Joyce, and Joshua currently without a confirmed next bout, the timing for their third and potentially final encounter could not be better.

Here’s why it makes sense now:

• National Interest: Two British heavyweights, both with massive fan bases and a deeply personal feud? That’s a guaranteed box office hit.

• Narrative Gold: Their shared history, contrasting personalities, and mutual hatred give this fight emotional stakes that are hard to manufacture.

• Career Crossroads: At 35, Joshua isn’t getting any younger. Whyte, 36, is also in the final phase of his career. A win here could lead to one final title shot—while a loss might spell the end.

• Legacy: For Joshua, beating Whyte once again would close a chapter of his career that’s haunted him since 2009. For Whyte, it’s a chance for ultimate revenge and redemption.

What Would a Joshua vs. Whyte Trilogy Look Like Today?

If these two titans were to step into the ring again, fans could expect a brutal slugfest. Both men have evolved since their last meeting, but their styles still guarantee fireworks.

Anthony Joshua

• Strengths: Power jab, combinations, physical strength, experience at the top level

• Weaknesses: Tends to be gun-shy after taking damage, stamina issues in later rounds

Dillian Whyte

• Strengths: Body shots, left hook, relentless pressure, gritty attitude

• Weaknesses: Susceptible chin, defensive lapses, vulnerable to uppercuts

Stylistically, it would be a fight where Who lands first wins. Whyte’s aggression would likely push Joshua to trade early, but AJ’s cleaner technique and sharper counters could expose Whyte’s defensive holes.

Still, emotion has a way of altering tactics, and with their personal hatred in the mix, it’s hard to see this going the distance.

Fan Reactions: “Make the Fight Happen!”

As rumors swirl around a potential third fight between Joshua and Whyte, fans have taken to social media to express their desire to see the long-time rivals settle the score.

“AJ vs Whyte 3 is the fight we need in the UK. It’s unfinished business,” one fan tweeted.
“Joshua needs to KO him again just to shut him up once and for all,” said another.
“Whyte has nothing to lose now. That makes him more dangerous,” one fan warned.

The buzz is building, and with no world title on the line, the story alone could sell the fight.

Could This Be Joshua’s Last Grudge Match?

With Joshua nearing the twilight of his career, and rumors swirling about potential retirement in the next two years, a final grudge match against Dillian Whyte might be the most fitting farewell—or launching pad for one last title run.

This wouldn’t just be another fight. It would be a battle for pride, a decade-old feud finally getting its rightful conclusion.

Final Thoughts: Does Joshua Still Have the Fire?

If Anthony Joshua truly wants to prove he’s not “past his prime,” as critics and rivals like Efe Ajagba have suggested, a statement win over a bitter foe like Dillian Whyte could do just that. It would reignite his career, reenergize his fanbase, and remind the world that the former king of heavyweight boxing still has one last war left in him.

But if Whyte manages to pull off the upset, it could be the final blow to Joshua’s legacy—and the ultimate revenge for a rivalry that has burned for 16 years.