By Jake Donovan

If recent ticket sales are any indication, fans in the United Kingdom are head over heels about the next generation of heavyweight boxing. 

The highly anticipated December 12 heavyweight grudge match between Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte will play to a sold-out crowd at the 20,000-seat O2 Arena in London. Tickets sold out in less than six hours, including 10,000 in the first hour of sales Wednesday morning.

“This is a huge fight and the atmosphere in The O2 on December 12 is going to be something else,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “British boxing is in a wonderful place right now and we are going to close the year out with a very special night.”

The bitter rivals appeared in separate bouts on a September 12 bill in the very same venue to set up the eventual head-on collission. 

Knockout wins by both couldn't have served as a better appetizer for their future headliner. Whyte (16-0, 13KOs) destroyed journeyman Brian Minto in three rounds, while Anthony Joshua (14-0, KOs) needed less than a round to dispatch previously unbeaten Gary Cornish in the evening's main event. 

While both enjoyed early nights at the office, a far more daunting task lies ahead. For Joshua, it's a chance to avenge a loss from the amateurs, although he went on to enjoy far more success. The 25-year old went to represent Great Britain during the 2012 London Olympics, capturing a Gold medal for the hosting nation. 

By that point, Whyte had already begun his pro career. He ran his record to 9-0 (6KOs) before running into trouble, as he was hit with a two-year suspension after testing positive for Methaylhexaneanime (DMAA). which was contained in a Jack3d energy drink he purchased over-the-counter. 

Upon his ring return in 2014, White has racked up seven wins, all by knockout. He has scored nine straight knockouts dating back to his 5th pro fight in March '12.

To date, Joshua has been a knockout every time out, with an opponent yet to last beyond the third round. Whyte has never fought beyond round four. 

Simply put, an explosive night is in store for Sky Sports viewers at home, as well as the 20,000 lucky fans who were able to purchase tickets for the event. For those hoping to attend the show, secondary tickets are available on StubHub UK, which happens to be the official sponsor for Joshua and for Matchroom Boxing events.

Jake Donovan is the managing editor of BoxingScene.com.
Twitter: @JakeNDaBox
Facebook Page: JakeBScene