DILLIAN WHYTE’S rematch with Alexander Povetkin has been delayed until March 27 after Eddie Hearn announced the ‘Rumble on the Rock’ in Gibraltar.
The heavyweight pair were scheduled to fight again on March 6 – after the Russian’s shock KO of the Body Snatcher in August – but a venue had yet to be announced.
Eddie Hearn announced Dillian Whyte’s rematch with Alexander Povetkin is now on March 27 in GibraltarCredit: Free for editorial use
Whyte is currently training out in Portugal, but as it is on the UK Government’s ‘red list’ he would have to quarantine in a hotel for ten days to return to Britain – but won’t face the same restrictions in Gibraltar.
Hearn tweeted: “Sometimes you gotta think outside the box! Get ready for a crazy event March 27 in Gibraltar!!! #PovetkinWhyte2”
Promoter Hearn had previously hinted at a delay due to Covid and when speaking to iFL TV, he said: “There is a chance it could be delayed.
“I don’t think it will be, the main thing is to get Dillian Whyte out of Portugal. It looks like tomorrow that may happen.
“[Portugal is] on the red list and the issue we’re having is the government won’t allow Dillian Whyte to isolate in the bubble, he has to isolate in a government hotel.
“That is impossible for Dillian Whyte to do. He could go to Spain, for example, and isolate there for ten days, and then fly in on fight week.
“That’s what we’re putting into place at the moment. Small chance it could be pushed back [three] weeks to March 27, but that’s not the intention.
“It’s our intention to do everything we can to make sure March 6 stays intact.”
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Whyte was KO’d by Russian heavyweight Povetkin in AugustCredit: Mark Robinson Photography Ltd
Hearn previously mentioned moving the fight to Gibraltar – where Whyte will not be required to isolate as Portugal is not on a travel ban.
The Brit 32, was brutally finished in round five against Povetkin, 41, last year at Hearn’s Matchroom HQ with the fight held in the back garden of his Essex offices during the pandemic.
Whyte’s chances of being the WBC mandatory for Tyson Fury’s crown went out the window and the shock defeat left him with a must-win rematch to keep his world title dreams alive.
Revenge will see him win back his right to challenge for Fury’s belt, which is set to be defended against Anthony Joshua in an undisputed title decider this year.
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Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
