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Heavyweight boxer Dillian Whyte made a triumphant return to the ring in Castlebar, Ireland, on Sunday night, defeating Christian Hammer after three rounds. This marked Whyte's first fight since his close victory over Jermaine Franklin in November 2022.
Whyte's record now stands at 30 wins and 3 losses, with 20 knockouts. Hammer, on the other hand, saw his record drop to 27 wins and 11 losses, with 17 knockouts. Whyte expressed relief at returning to action after a period of inactivity due to a doping test issue that prevented his rematch with Anthony Joshua last August.
Despite Hammer's aggressive start, Whyte quickly gained control of the fight.
"He just quit, but what can I do?" Whyte commented. "I’ve been through a lot of hell and a lot of darkness, so I had a lot of pent-up frustration and aggression."
Speaking to Boxing Social after the bout, Whyte expressed his eagerness to stay busy in 2024, aiming for as many as four fights. He also mentioned his openness to fighting in Saudi Arabia and expressed interest in potential matchups with Joshua and Joe Joyce, who had mentioned Whyte's name after his victory over Kash Ali.
Whyte, licensed by the Texas Commission, clarified that he is not licensed by the British Boxing Board of Control and is open to fighting anywhere.
"Wherever I can be busy, then I’ll go there and fight. I’m running out of time. I’m not getting any younger," he stated.
Looking ahead, the 35-year-old plans to have a few weeks off before returning to training with Buddy McGirt. When asked about loyalty in boxing, Whyte pointed to his dogs as the only loyal entities in his life. Regarding potential future opponents, Whyte asserted,
"Anyone. I’ve never turned a fight down, whoever wanted it could get it."