Whyte has shared the ring with Joshua on two occasions during his career, once in the amateur ranks which Whyte won, and then he lost to Joshua as a professional when they met in an exciting domestic showdown in December 2015. 

Whyte and Joshua were set to meet for a second time as professionals in August last year, but the fight was then pulled after Whyte failed a drugs test in the days leading up to the clash and was replaced by Robert Helenius. 

Now Whyte is set for his long awaited comeback on March 17 when he faces Christian Hammer in Dublin, and ahead of his return to the ring, Whyte gave his prediction for Joshua vs. Ngannou. 

“Francis Ngannou could knock him out, he’s a big strong guy. Joshua is a good champion, and Olympic medalist, he’s come back from losses," Whyte told talkSPORT. 

“Ngannou has got that something not many people have and that the desire to win and push back against the odds. You can never write someone off like that. People who come from places like me and him have something special inside.

“It’s a fighter’s mindset, that’s what makes us dangerous. But AJ is a big guy and a puncher. I’ve got to go with him for this one.”

Live on DAZN PPV: Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou on March 8. Click here for details and how to purchase.