DILLIAN WHYTE is back in the big time as he looks to set up a world title shot.
The Body Snatcher hasn’t lost a pro bout since being stopped by Anthony Joshua way back in 2015, seeing off Dereck Chisora, Joseph Parker and Oscar Rivas in that time.
Whyte and Povetkin will face each other in MayCredit: PA:Press Association
Current WBC interim title holder Whyte believes he deserves another go at the major belts and now faces 40-year-old Russian slugger Alexander Povetkin.
Povetkin himself was beaten by Joshua in 2018 but has since fought back by dismantling Hughie Fury and securing a split-decision draw with Michael Hunter.
The Body Snatcher hasn’t been beaten since AJ stopped him in 2015Credit: Reuters
When is Whyte vs Povetkin?
WHYTE is mandatory challenger to Fury but hasn’t shied away from taking on Povetkin.
Beating the challenger won’t be easy, with the Russian boasting a proud pro record of 35-2-1 and his only two defeats to AJ and Wladimir Klitschko.
The two are set to go to war on Saturday, May 2.
31-year-old Whyte is heading North where he will face the Russian in Manchester.
Expect fight night to begin around 6pm GMT, with the main event usually staged around 10pm.
Which TV channel and live stream can I watch it on?
WHYTE is promoted by Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing.
As a result, this bout will be shown in conjunction with Sky Sports.
Fight night will be a pay-per-view event on Sky Sports Box Office, with prices to be announced closer to May 2.
Who else is fighting on the undercard?
THERE’s set to be a superb supporting cast on offer in Manchester.
Whyte outpointed Mariusz Wach in a short-notice ten-rounder on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s megafight rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr late last year.
Meanwhile Povetkin drew against Hunter on the same night – with many feeling he was perhaps fortunate to avoid defeat.
Irish legend Katie Taylor will be in action on the card of this one, putting her lightweight world titles on the line against Amanda Serrano.
More fights will be confirmed in due course.
What they said
Dillian Whyte: “I was glad a fellow British fighter won and beat Deontay Wilder. I was annoyed, because I wanted to be the first guy to beat him and I believe that I was capable of that.
“I had the style and the mindset to beat him, because Tyson Fury did exactly what I said you need to do to beat Wilder.
“What’s the point of waiting, my career goes on. I’m not getting any younger. I need more experience, I need to learn more.
“Now it’s time to get sharp again. Sharp mind, sharp feet, sharp hands and challenge myself against a top level fighter.”
Alexander Povetkin: “I am pleased to fight Whyte, it has long been discussed but didn’t happen for whatever reason.
“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 2 May people will see a spectacular fight.”
Fight odds
- Dillian Whyte to win – 2/7
- Povetkin to win – 11/4
- Draw – 25/1
*Odds from Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
