Dillian Whyte to fight Alexander Povetkin for shot at Tyson Fury’s WBC heavyweight belt on May 2 at Manchester Arena

DILLIAN WHYTE will fight Russian veteran Alexander Povetkin on May 2 for a shot at Tyson Fury’s WBC heavyweight world title.

The Brit is the WBC interim world champ, and will put his mandatory position on the line against Povetkin, 40, at the Manchester Arena.

Dillian Whyte will put his WBC intermim title on the line when he fights Alexander Povetkin

Whyte landed the WBC Title with a unanimous decision win over Oscar Rivas in an exciting battle at The O2 in London back in July 2019.

The 31-year-old Brit then travelled to Saudi Arabia in December where he outpointed former world title challenger Mariusz Wach on the Ruiz vs. Joshua 2 undercard.

Povetkin, an Olympic gold medallist and former WBA world champion, 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 followed that up with a split decision draw with rising heavyweight contender Michael Hunter in an all-out war in Diriyah.

I’ve got respect for him but I’m on to maximum violence, straight animal instinct

Dillian Whyte

Speaking about the fight, Whyte said: “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 Joshua and Klitschko.

“He is still very dangerous, he gave AJ 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.

“You only have to look at his resume to see that he’s always been considered as one of the most fearsome punchers in the heavyweight division with big KO wins over Huck, Charr, Takam, Wach and Price.

“He showed in Saudi Arabia that he still has a lot left in the tank and he is still very dangerous. I’ve got respect for him but I’m on to maximum violence, straight animal instinct.

“I want to be heavyweight champion of the world so anywhere in the world is my lion’s den.

“If you aspire to be world champion, you should be able to fight anywhere.

“Manchester is a great city with great fight fans and I’m looking forward to going back there.”

Whyte’s promoter Eddie Hearn, who has spent the last few days talking up a potential fight for his stablemate Anthony Joshua against Fury, said: “This is a heavyweight thriller and so important to the landscape of the division.

“Dillian Whyte sits as mandatory challenger to Tyson Fury and while the wait is frustrating, Dillian continues to take high risk fights and that’s why he is such a fans’ favourite.

“The last time Dillian fought at this arena, we witnessed all time classic against Derek Chisora.

“We are planning a huge night in Manchester as Whyte continues to march towards a shot at the heavyweight world title.”

Dillian Whyte is the interim WBC world champCredit: Reuters

Alexander Povetkin brings a wealth of experience to the Manchester scrapCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk