Whyte vs. Joyce Set for Heavyweight Showdown on April 5 at Co-op Live in Manchester

By Tim Smith - February 10, 2025 - No comments

Former World Title Challenger Dillian Whyte Faces Joe Joyce in Main Event, Okolie vs. Riakporhe in Co-Main Event – Live on DAZN

Event Details

  • Date: Saturday, April 5, 2025
  • Location: Co-op Live, Manchester, UK
  • Live Broadcast: DAZN
  • Start Time: 7:00 PM BST / 2:00 PM ET / 11:00 AM PT
  • Main Event Ring Walks: Expected around 10:30 PM BST / 5:30 PM ET / 2:30 PM PT

Queensberry & DAZN Open 2025 With a Heavyweight Spectacular

Queensberry Promotions and DAZN kick off their new partnership with a stacked heavyweight card headlined by former world title challenger Dillian Whyte (31-3, 28 KOs) against former interim WBO heavyweight champion Joe Joyce (16-3, 15 KOs) at the new Co-op Live arena in Manchester.

Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions is delivering an all-action night featuring British heavyweight talent, including the co-main event between WBC Silver heavyweight champion Lawrence Okolie (21-1, 16 KOs) and London rival Richard Riakporhe (17-1, 13 KOs).

The card also includes English heavyweight champion David Adeleye (13-1, 12 KOs) facing Jeamie “TKV” Tshikeva (8-1, 5 KOs), plus Olympian Delicious Orie making his professional debut.

“The heavyweights will bring the heat to Manchester on April 5, and fans watching on DAZN worldwide are in for a treat. Whyte and Joyce is a must-win for both men, and Okolie vs. Riakporhe has been years in the making.” – Frank Warren, Queensberry Promotions

Dillian Whyte vs. Joe Joyce – Heavyweight Main Event

Whyte, a former WBC interim world champion, returns to the ring after a two-year absence following a controversial win over Jermaine Franklin in 2022. Having shared the ring with the likes of Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Alexander Povetkin, Whyte now looks to get back in the world title mix against Joyce.

Joyce, nicknamed “The Juggernaut,” is coming off back-to-back defeats to Zhilei Zhang but remains one of the division’s most durable and dangerous punchers. With a victory over Daniel Dubois on his record, Joyce is determined to reassert himself in the world title picture.

“I’ve been waiting for a fight like this, and I can’t wait to get back in the ring. Joe Joyce is tough, but I’ll show why I’m still one of the best heavyweights in the world.” – Dillian Whyte

“I’m ready to prove the doubters wrong. I’ve taken some tough losses, but I know I can beat Whyte and get back into world title contention.” – Joe Joyce

Lawrence Okolie vs. Richard Riakporhe – Heavyweight Co-Main Event

Former WBO cruiserweight world champion Lawrence Okolie moves up to heavyweight, defending his WBC Silver belt against longtime rival Richard Riakporhe.

Both men have been circling each other for years, and now they finally meet in a fight that could position the winner for a world title opportunity.

“This fight has been brewing for a long time. I’m at heavyweight now, and I’m ready to dominate.” – Lawrence Okolie

“I’ve wanted this fight for years. I know I can beat Okolie, and I’ll show that on April 5.” – Richard Riakporhe

English Heavyweight Title – David Adeleye vs. Jeamie Tshikeva

Adeleye, who suffered his first career loss against Fabio Wardley, returns to defend his English title against rising contender Jeamie Tshikeva.

Adeleye has knocked out 12 of his 13 opponents, but Tshikeva, a former standout amateur, believes he has the tools to take the title.

“I’m coming for redemption. Losing isn’t an option.” – David Adeleye

“Adeleye has power, but I’ve got skills and I’ll take that title from him.” – Jeamie Tshikeva

Professional Debut – Olympian Delicious Orie

British super heavyweight Olympian Delicious Orie will make his professional debut, looking to make a statement as he transitions to the pro ranks.

“I’ve dreamed of this moment, and I’m ready to take the heavyweight division by storm.” – Delicious Orie

How to Watch & Attend

Broadcast Information

  • Live on DAZN
  • Start Time: 7:00 PM BST / 2:00 PM ET / 11:00 AM PT

Venue & Ticket Information

  • Venue: Co-op Live, Manchester, UK
  • Tickets: Available now at Ticketmaster.com

Key Points

✅ Dillian Whyte and Joe Joyce battle for redemption in the heavyweight main event
✅ Lawrence Okolie and Richard Riakporhe settle their rivalry at heavyweight
✅ English champion David Adeleye defends against Jeamie Tshikeva
✅ Olympian Delicious Orie makes his professional debut
✅ Live on DAZN – Tickets available now

NLP-Optimized Summary

  • Event: Whyte vs. Joyce – Queensberry Heavyweight Spectacular
  • Date: Saturday, April 5, 2025
  • Time: 7:00 PM BST / 2:00 PM ET / 11:00 AM PT
  • Venue: Co-op Live, Manchester, UK
  • How to Watch: Live on DAZN
  • Tickets: Available at Ticketmaster.com