Joshua vs Whyte: British heavyweights who have lost their proud unbeaten records in the past
Wednesday 9 December 2015 14:59, UK
As Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte put their unbeaten records on the line, we look back at five British heavyweights who suffered memorable first defeats.
Joshua and Whyte will be risking a first defeat at The O2 on December 12, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
The beaten man will become the latest in a line of homegrown heavyweights who have lost their 0...
Frank Bruno lost by KO10 v James 'Bonecrusher' Smith, May 13, 1984
The Londoner made a more destructive start to his career than either Joshua or Whyte, racking up 21 straight stoppage wins and Smith was expected to become another inside-the-distance loser.
Since being halted on his debut, the American had racked up 13 wins against little-known opposition, and the battle with Bruno would be his first fight overseas.
Bruno had risen to No 9 in the WBC rankings and there was plenty of expectation on his huge shoulders after being heralded as Britain's latest heavyweight contender. But Smith would expose Bruno's limitations in full view of the media glare, withstanding the best punches from the Brit, who was dragged into a draining dogfight.
As they entered the last round, the favourite appeared to be labouring towards a points win, until 'Bonecrusher' trapped him on the ropes and delivered a final right hand that sent Bruno crashing to the canvas. A badly dazed Bruno could not beat the count and wore a stunned expression as he was cradled by his cornermen.
Lennox Lewis lost by TKO2 v Oliver McCall, September 24, 1994
Lewis based his career in Britain after winning Olympic gold for Canada and the London-born fighter became the latest heavyweight ruler on these shores when he defeated Tony Tucker on points to take the WBC belt in 1993.
After halting Bruno in his first defence, Lewis would make his third defence against McCall, an American nicknamed 'The Atomic Bull' who had already suffered five defeats, including a point loss to Tucker. Lewis was looking towards a world title unification clash with Riddick Bowe, the man he had beaten in the Olympic final, when McCall arrived in the capital with his promoter Don King.
The battle with Bowe would never materialise as McCall sent shockwaves through the division with a stunning victory. At the start of the second round, Lewis went to throw a big right and McCall beat him to the punch, unloading a huge right of his own that dropped the 6'5" tall champion heavily.
Lewis rose on wobbly legs and the fight was waved off, sparking wild scenes of celebrations from McCall.
Audley Harrison lost by SD v Danny Williams, December 10, 2005
Comparisons can be drawn between Audley Harrison and Anthony Joshua, who both joined the professional ranks after winning Olympic gold medals. But Harrison's career can serve as a cautionary tale for the latest heavyweight hope, with 'A-Force' attracting national derision rather than respect after a string of humbling defeats.
His shining reputation had already been tarnished by one-sided, often lacklustre, wins by the time he risked his unbeaten record against domestic rival Danny Williams.
The 'Brixton Bomber' had boosted his own popularity with a career-best stoppage win over Mike Tyson and was then halted by Vitali Klitschko during a brave attempt to take the WBC title.
With the watching fans hoping for fireworks, both men instead served up an ugly, mauling battle, which finally livened up when Williams floored Harrison with a big right in the 10th round. Harrison then wobbled Williams in the 11th round, but his late efforts were in vain as he suffered his first defeat by split decision.
Dereck Chisora lost by UD v Tyson Fury, July 23, 2011
Just like Joshua and Whyte, there was plenty of pre-fight needle between Dereck Chisora and Tyson Fury when the two outspoken prospects put their unbeaten records on the line in an eagerly-awaited domestic clash.
Chisora appeared the more proven of the two fighters as he held the British and Commonwealth titles after halting compatriots such as Williams and Sam Sexton.
But a worrying increase in weight suggested Chisora had approached the Fury fight with too much confidence.
Fury's improved conditioning was evident in the later rounds as he caught Chisora almost at will, and the exhausted champion would suffer a wide points defeat.
David Price lost by TKO2 v Tony Thompson, February 23, 2013
The likeable Liverpudlian appeared to have all the right attributes to become Britain's next genuine heavyweight contender.
At 6′ 8″ tall, Price had the necessary height needed to compete in a division which had been dominated by the towering duo of Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko.
The Olympic bronze medallist had made devastating progress since switching to the paid ranks and held a perfect 15 fight record and the British and Commonwealth titles by the time he took on Thompson. The American southpaw had suffered two defeats, both stoppages against Wladimir Klitschko, and Price was hoping to send out a message to the heavyweight ruler with a quicker demolition job.
But it was Price who would suffer a swift stoppage as the wily Thompson overcame the early onslaught and dropped the Merseysider with a cuffing hook. Price's legs betrayed him as he rose groggily and was rescued by the referee.
Joshua vs Whyte is exclusively live on Sky Sports Box Office on December 12, and is now available to order via your Sky remote or online.
