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Dillian Whyte rates himself as a top 3 heavyweight, above Tyson Fury

Dillian Whyte takes on Oscar Rivas on July 20.

Boxing at The O2 Photo by James Chance/Getty Images
Wil Esco is an assistant editor of Bad Left Hook and has been covering boxing for SB Nation since 2014.

As Dillian Whyte (25-1, 18 KOs) prepares for his next fight against Oscar Rivas (26-0, 18 KOs) on July 20 at London’s O2 Arena, the British-based heavyweight tells Sky Sports that he’s stepping up to take on a fighter that the other so-called top-three heavyweights (Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder, and Tyson Fury) weren’t keen to face.

“Rivas is a good fight. All the tops guys are afraid to fight him,” Whyte told Sky Sports. “Once again, I’m going to have to step up and take a bigger challenge than the top three in the world is taking. The so-called top three in the world.

“I think I should be top three. I don’t think Tyson Fury should be top three. I could beat all three of the top three and they’ll still have me as number four.”

Whyte has been on his soapbox for a little while now, perhaps justifiably complaining that he’s still not received a major world title shot that he’s been in line for. He’s still rated as the WBC’s #1 heavyweight contender but Dominic Breazeale (who held the mandatory challenger position) instead landed the fight against Wilder.

Whyte obviously believes the sanctioning bodies haven’t done right by him, but he’s still working his way towards a world title opportunity with Rivas being the latest step. But you tell me, fans, does Whyte have a legitimate claim to be considered above Fury?

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