Britain’s boxing bad boy, Dillian Whyte is back against Alexander Povetkin at Manchester Arena on Saturday, May 2. The fight is the first defense of his WBC Interim Heavyweight World Title.
“This is a great fight, Povetkin is an Olympic gold medallist, has loads of experience, he’s a former World Champion and he’s only lost to (Anthony) Joshua and Klitschko,” said Whyte. “He is still very dangerous, he gave Joshua a lot of problems and then beat Hughie Fury. I am not overlooking him at all, he will come in shape, he’s tough and very well-schooled.”
Brixton’s Whyte (27-1, 18 KOs) landed the WBC Title with a unanimous decision win over Oscar Rivas. That exciting battle at The O2 in London was back in July 2019. He then traveled to Saudi Arabia in December and outpointed former World Title challenger Mariusz Wach on the Ruiz vs. Joshua 2 undercard.
Russia’s Povetkin (35-2-1, 24 KOs) is an Olympic gold medallist and former WBA World Champion. He proved that he still has what it takes to be a force in the Heavyweight division in 2019 with a win over Hughie Fury in August. He also gained a split decision draw with rising Heavyweight contender Michael Hunter in an all-out war in Diriyah.
“I am pleased to fight Whyte, it has long been discussed but didn’t happen for whatever reason,” said Povetkin. “Dillian is a good strong boxer and it will make for an interesting fight. I am not about big announcements, I am about winning in the ring, and on May 2nd people will see a spectacular fight.”
Heavyweight boxing is currently experiencing a Game of Thrones-style changeover. With Deontay Wilder losing his belts to Tyson Fury, the British have all the heavyweight belts in boxing.