Dillian Whyte shocked fans after revealing a leaner physique ahead of next week’s heavyweight showdown against Moses Itauma.
Whyte is a significant betting underdog to defeat 20-year-old Itauma in Riyadh next Saturday.
The former world title challenger has been questioned over his condition, particularly in his last fight against Ebenezer Tetteh, where he laboured to a seventh round win after weighing in at 260lbs.
However, the 37-year-old has seemingly cut the pounds ahead of his crunch meeting with the highly-touted prospect.
‘The Body Snatcher’ unveiled his new look whilst unloading blows on the heavy bag and after seeing his new shape, some fans even changed their mind over the outcome of the bout.
One fan commented: “Not gonna lie I think Whyte wins this. Seems to have rewoken the fire.”
Another wrote: “Whyte is going to shock the world.”
Another said: “I’ve got a feeling this 20-year-old is going to feel 9-years-old when he fights Dillian Whyte. Could be an upset on the cards here.
“Everyone saying he’s gonna get beat easy. A man with nothing to lose is a dangerous man.”
Itauma has breezed past his first 12 professional opponents, winning 10 inside the distance, including his last outing where he stopped Mike Balogun in two rounds in May.
Whyte has won three on the bounce since a sixth round stoppage loss to Tyson Fury in his only previous world title attempt, but warned his rival that he may be taking the step up in class too soon.
“He’s a great fighter,” he told IFLTV.
“He’s achieved a lot already.
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“He’s doing his thing, he’s good.
“He’s doing what he’s supposed to do.
“He’s beating the guys up that he’s supposed to beat up and doing everything that’s asked of him, but sometimes you f*** around and find out.”
Itauma is the number one contender with the WBO to undisputed champion, Oleksandr Usyk’s WBO crown and the governing body has ordered the Ukrainian to defend his title against interim titlist, Joseph Parker.
Should Usyk opt to vacate his belt, Parker is likely going to be ordered to face the winner of Ituama-Whyte.
One fan commented: “Whyte could rewrite the script, KO Itauma and Parker for the title. Would be a great ending to his story.”
Despite some now deciding to back the Brixton man, many still believe Itauma will see off the veteran.
“Going to get lit up light a Christmas tree, levels to this and the old man getting retired on the 16th, inside 6,” one fan commented.
Another said: “Massive fan of Whyte but his style of boxing (slow feet) will make it light work for young Moses who’s young, quick, hungry, powerful and a good boxer.”
