Preview - Bad Intentions - Joshua vs Whyte

The first of two massive shows in two weekends takes place this Saturday. With another British heavyweight taking up the headlines in recent weeks, now is the turn of Anthony Joshua. That is not intended as disrespect to Dillian Whyte but without AJ this would not be Pay per View television. There is still much debate as to whether "Bad Intentions" should be PPV or not, but it is and that is down solely to one man.

Since winning the Olympics at London 2012, Joshua has registered 14 stoppage wins from his 14 paid contests. He is a mountain of a man with a chiselled physique and devastating power. It’s not hard to see why he appeals to the public so much. And this apparently from where much of the frustration regarding his progress (or perceived lack of it) stems. The hardcore boxing fraternity will argue that he needs to be moved on at a quicker rate than he has been. His record is impressive but the list of opponents is not.

However we at BBB feel this is slightly harsh as his recent opposition is definitely a class above what he started facing. It is difficult to make a case that he should have fought one of the world champions already and it isn’t his fault that he has dispatched everyone put in front of him. Eddie Hearn has attracted a lot of ire for some of his PPV showings, and this one is no different, but his job is to make the most money for his fighter. The fact that AJ sold out the O2 within a few hours, with no mention of the undercard, gives Hearn every right to make the most of the Olympian’s popularity. The fact the main event appears to be a domestic grudge match allows him to market the fight towards the casual fans and maximise the revenue. I could debate all day on what makes a boxing event “worthy” of PPV status but if enough people are willing to shell out, then Hearn is going to operate in a similar manner. Is this right or wrong? That is an argument for another time.

Onto the main event itself. The “Gloves are Off” segment can be a popular feature when used sparingly, but Sky seem to be happy enough with the ratings that they are utilising it more frequently. Whyte talked a good game but it is debatable how genuine the animosity is. Expect lots of hugs and respect after the contest has ended. Again though, this is all part and parcel of modern boxing and does generate interest in the sport. Given what I have noted so far, I was surprised to see that AJ will be entering the ring first, with Whyte following. From a totally neutral point of view, I believe that Anthony Joshua is the attraction here. That seems to have riled Whyte, who has been accused of jealousy.

The build-up has been fierce at times, especially on Whyte’s part, with both men getting their shots in but unfortunately for the Jamaican born Londoner, I don’t see the same pattern emerging in the ring. I may be wrong yet I can’t see anything other than another Joshua knockout. Early. From what I have seen of both men, Whyte can leave himself very open and if he does this it could be a very early night. However he does carry genuine power himself. If he can work his way inside AJ’s sizeable reach he could test the Watford man’s chin. And it will be interesting to see someone come to win against him. I just can’t see it happening.

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