Eddie Hearn has confirmed a March 6 date for Alexander Povetkin’s rematch with Dillian Whyte.
The second match-up had been pencilled in for January but that was postponed after Povetkin tested positive for coronavirus and was hospitalised at least once. His recovery interrupted his training, delaying plans for the rematch.
Hearn plans to announce his Matchroom schedule from February until April after the British Boxing Board of Control confirmed that they would permit boxing to resume in the United Kingdom next month after suspending action during January due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Speaking to the Ak and Barak Show (on DAZN and Sirius XM Fight Nation), Hearn said: “We will be announcing the official date of Whyte vs Povetkin 2, which is March 6.
“Of course, the first one was the final fight of fight camp, thrilling knockout on August 22.
“I mean, I can still see it in my mind like it was yesterday. That’s a big fight for the heavyweight division.
“Of course, while we’re trying to finalise AJ against Fury, Whyte vs Povetkin’s right up there.
“It’s for the mandatory position in the WBC. It’s a great heavyweight fight.
“So, that will be lodged into the opening part of our 2021 schedule. Big, big fight for Dillian Whyte. It’s a must-win fight.”
Hearn is planning a fight with Deontay Wilder for Whyte should he defeat Povetkin.
He explained: “And if he wins that fight, I know he wants a shot at the WBC title, but I would love to see Deontay Wilder against Dillian Whyte.
“I just think that is such a thrilling fight. So much history, so much talk between the two of them, Wilder’s always gonna be in great fights. I just wanna see these guys active.”