Tuesday 3 November 2015 16:39, UK
Dillian Whyte believes he has penetrated Anthony Joshua's 'mind and soul' ahead of their British and Commonwealth heavyweight title fight on December 12.
The London rivals were at loggerheads again at a press conference on Tuesday, where Whyte (16-0-KO13) vowed to repeat his amateur victory over Joshua (14-0-KO14) when they settle their differences at the O2 Arena.
Resplendent in a purple blazer, Whyte, 27, said: "This is someone that I've beaten before and I'm just as powerful as him - if not more powerful. We've both improved. I honestly believe that I will beat him again.
"I'm deep in his mind and in his soul and I'll beat him again on December 12. Sports are all about being competitive and having rivalry. I don't like him and he doesn't like me. It's as simple as that. I don't have much to say.
This is someone that I've beaten before and I'm just as powerful as him - if not more powerful. We've both improved. I honestly believed that I will beat him again.
"I'm not one of the old men he's fought in his previous fights. What's their average age? 38 or 39 or something?"
Addressing the Olympic champion directly, the Brixton man added: "Between the sixth and the eighth round, you'll get knocked out. I want it to go long. I know you like stuff to be over quick but I want it to go long.
"British boxing is in a good place at the moment. You've got Tyson Fury challenging Wladimir Klitschko in a few weeks and then me and this fella' getting it on in December.
"It'll be one of the hardest fights of my career so that's what we're preparing for. I doubt it'll go the full 12 rounds though, to be honest, but we're preparing for a hard 12-round fight."
During a brief face-off at the end of the press conference, Whyte placed his hand upon Joshua's heart at the latter's invitation before the pair traded verbally over the possibility of an injury ruining the fight.
Joshua was last in action in stopping Gary Cornish inside a round to win the Commonwealth crown on September 12 when Whyte fought on the undercard, taking three to stop American Brian Minto.
