Anthony Joshua says he would approach a rematch with Dillian Whyte the exact same way after their ‘emotional’ first encounter in 2015.
Joshua puts his IBF, WBA (Super) and WBO titles on the line against Andy Ruiz Jr in New York on June 1, but another all-London showdown with Whyte remains a compelling possibility over three years on from their war at the O2 Arena.
During a heated build-up, Whyte claimed Joshua was still scarred by an amateur defeat he inflicted upon him back in 2009 before barbs between the two grew personal.
The fireworks continued in the ring in their December 2015 bout, with a punch thrown after the bell in the first round sparking a melee that saw both corners pile into the ring to separate the two.
Joshua eventually stopped Whyte with a huge KO in the seventh round, going on to win his first world title in his very next fight against Charles Martin.
Recalling the Whyte fight, Joshua told JD Sports: “It was hard because that was an emotional fight, it wasn’t even about boxing.
“It was a fight for London, south and north. I’d been knocking everyone out so you'd assume I’d go in there and boom, Dillian is on the floor. Some fighters are a different kettle of fish, they’ve got a bit of heart as well.
“So with Dillian, you can see in the fight, I said 'come on, let's fight'.”
There is plenty of appetite for another bout between Watford’s Joshua and Brixton’s Whyte – who is also the No1 contender for Deontay Wilder’s WBC crown.
When asked how he would deal with his old foe the second time around, Joshua said: "The same way. Who’s got the bigger heart. Different fighters bring out different styles in you.”
Joshua continued: “He has improved, you've got to respect him, he’s consistent. The thing I like about Dillian, you don’t really see him out, clubbing, you don’t really see him out partying.”
Joshua makes his US debut at Madison Square Garden in 10 days' time, while Whyte is in action against Oscar Rivas in July.