The Olympic gold medallist is expected to be boxing's next dominant force - but first he must overcome his old rival at the O2 on Saturday
Bad Intentions is a title that perfectly epitomises the rivalry between Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte.
Ever since the pair fought in the ring in their amateur days, it has been a story of jealousy, bitterness and now, probably, revenge.
Joshua is a massive 1/16 favourite to avenge his defeat to Whyte.
From humble beginnings to the O2, this time the rivals will vye for the vacant British heavyweight title.
The Olympic gold medallist couldn’t have dreamed for a better start to life as a pro: 14 wins, 14 KOs – all within three rounds.
The hype is such that once Tyson Fury became the undisputed heavyweight champ, Joshua’s name was the first to be thrown around for his first defence.
But the national treasure now faces his first live opponent in Dillian Whyte.
At 6ft 4in, Whyte has fierce KO power, KO-ing 13 of of his 16 opponents to date.
Only 27, ‘The Villain’ has genuine ambitions of his own, having spent a lot of time sparring with Wladimir Klitschko and sharing the same trainer as the former undisputed champ.
The Jamaican-born Whyte certainly won’t lie down for Joshua, even though he is a big 15/2 underdog.
There is a definite expectancy among boxing pundits and fans that Joshua is the next dominant force in the division.
Not only has he shown ferocious power, but he is also a perfectionist who loves the technical side of the sport.
His hunger to learn and natural ability is what delivered his Olympic gold and he is gradually learning his craft.
Anyone who has been hit by the Watford local hasn’t been able to cope and there is no evidence to suggest Whyte will be any different.
It is going to take an exceptionally good defensive fighter to avoid being on the end of a destructive barrage from Joshua.
Whyte, quite simply, isn’t that.
‘The Villian’s’ last performance against Brian Minto showed massive weaknesses in his defence and the Brixton-based fighter was caught on several occasions by a much smaller man.
If Whyte still hasn’t honed in on his defensive skills it could be a very short night against a bigger and rangier man than himself.
Joshua is relaxed in the ring which allows him to unleash big shots right from the first bell.
The 26-year-old is 1/2 to win in rounds 1-3 and 100/30 to stop the contest in the first round.
Joshua believes Whyte could potentially be the man to take him past three rounds.
Not too much further, however, with Joshua predicting a fourth-round KO priced at 6/1.
The only uncertainty is whether The Villain has got under Joshua’s skin.
That could make him reckless if so.
The Olympian has been used to niceties in the run up to most of his fights, but this has been the opposite and he has looked rattled at times in the build-up.
Twelve consecutive KO victories – all within four rounds – means that any sign of emotional investment from Joshua can be capitalised on with Whyte’s one-punch power.
Making the case for a Whyte win includes a lot of speculating, though, which is why The Villain is 9/1 to win by KO and cause an enormous upset.
