DILLIAN WHYTE makes his long-awaited return as a full undercard of “heavy hitters” for Anthony Joshua’s world title rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr in Saudi Arabia is unveiled.
Whyte has been out since his failed drugs test in July was revealed, while fellow British heavyweight Tom Little joins him on the bill at the specially-built Diriyah Arena in the Riyadh desert on December 7.
Promoter Eddie Hearn claims the bill is fill of blockbusting heavyweights
Dillian Whyte returns after beating Oscar Rivas on points in his last fight in JulyCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Joshua’s bid to avenge a shock loss to then 11-1 Mexican outsider Ruiz in June is accompanied by other power punchers from the top division.
Whyte, 31, who beat Colombian Oscar Rivas five months ago, faces Poland’s 39-year-old former WBC champ Mariusz Wach.
And Little, 32, takes on Azerbaijan’s Mahammadrasul Majidov, 33, a three-time world amateur superheavyweight champ.
Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn believes the card is full of mighty trumps.
He tweeted: “HEAVY HITTERS. 10 big men line up for a historic night in Saudi Arabia!!!!”
HOT PROSPECTS
Russia’s ex-world champ Alexander Povetkin, 40, will meet USA’s Michael Hunter, 31, in a WBA world heavyweight title eliminator.
And with the WBC international crown at stake, 27-year-old Croat Filipo Hrgovic enters the ring in the Saudi desert against two-time world title contender Eric Molina, 37.
Also on the list at the new 15,000-seat stadium are two hot teenage prospects.
Leeds’ super-bantamweight Hopey Price, 19, aims to make it two wins in two professional fights, having pouched an Olympic youth gold and two European titles as an amateur.
And Los Angeles super-middlweight Diego Pacheco, 18, will parade the potential shown in launching his career with seven victories, six inside the distance.
Meanwhile, Joshua and Ruiz Jr are expected to make their ring walks at 10pm GMT – 1am in Saudi Arabia.
The card is live on Sky Sports Box Office, starting from 4pm GMT. But the cost is a record £24.95.
Anthony Joshua arrives in Saudi Arabia ahead of Andy Ruiz Jr rematch as Brit visits newly built stadium for first time
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
