EXCLUSIVE: Shelly Finkel rules out Deontay Wilder facing Dillian Whyte without AJ agreement
Phil Jay
Ryan Hafey / Lawrence Lustig
Deontay Wilder's co-manager Shelly Finkel says continued failed negotiations with Anthony Joshua mean any future fight with Dillian Whyte is off the table for the time being.
WBC champion Wilder has repeatedly attempted to secure a massive undisputed unification with Joshua in 2018, only to be thwarted by stipulations in the agreement that just don't allow for the fight to happen.
The lack of a rematch clause is the main sticking point, with Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn sending paperwork to Finkel which rules out a second fight for anything other than a Wilder win.
Not having the opportunity to win back his title in defeat, or even settling their differences if it's a draw, left a bad taste in Wilder's mouth and have basically meant discussions have since been shut down.
Unless things change on the Joshua side, an offer to fight Whyte – which was confirmed received on Sunday to WBN this week – will not be considered as Wilder wants a unification agreement before considering any other Matchroom heavyweight.
"As far as Eddie making offers to us (for Dillian Whyte or even Dereck Chisora), it's not even worth dignifying," Finkel exclusively told World Boxing News.
"If you want to be in business and you want to get something done, pick up a phone or meet in person and get it done.
"We laughed the other night (Sunday) at Eddie's offers because he also sent it to Deontay and we believe it's a joke."
On Whyte being a potential opponent for Joshua himself in April as Wilder's expense, Finkel stated: "If they want to fight Dillian Whyte who almost got knocked out by Joseph Parker in the last round, and if there was another round he probably would have, go do it! Do you want to fight Jarrell Miller? – Go do it!
"If that's what you want to do, or face Chisora – who is recycled and did it better than Joshua – go do it!
"What do you want me to tell you? – The guy you should be fighting, you don't want to and that's it.
"With all the bull**** they talk about, with Dillian Whyte this and Dillian Whyte that, they don't mention the fact he was supposed to fight Luis Ortiz and he backed out.
"Also, Parker is not known as a puncher and he had Whyte on the canvas.
"The bottom line is, we won't be discussing anything regarding Dillian Whyte unless the Anthony Joshua fight gets made first," he added.
Wilder has since revealed his interest in a huge collision with Tyson Fury but remains hopeful a deal with Joshua can be revived for April 13 next year at Wembley Stadium in England.
Phil Jay is Editor of World Boxing News. Follow on Twitter @PhilDJay