Dillian Whyte could have chosen to sit by and wait to take on the winner of the trilogy later this summer between WBC and lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder. However, the outspoken heavyweight from the United Kingdom had another idea in mind.
On Tuesday, it was revealed Whyte would defend the interim WBC title against Alexander Povetkin on Saturday, May 2, at Manchester Arena in Manchester, England.
"This is a heavyweight thriller and so important to the landscape of the division," said Whyte's promoter Eddie Hearn in a press release. "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' favorite. 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 Dillian Whyte continues to march towards a shot at the heavyweight world title."
Whyte (27-1, 18 KOs) returns to the ring for the first time in 2020. The 31-year-old, who currently possesses an 11-fight winning streak, fought back in December, defeating Mariusz Wach by unanimous decision on the undercard of Anthony Joshua-Andy Ruiz 2. Before then, he'd captured the interim WBC belt with a unanimous decision victory over Oscar Rivas.
"The Body Snatcher" respects what Povetkin brings to the table, but he plans on making the Russian just another guy who is in his path to becoming the undisputed WBC champion.
“This is a great fight," Whyte stated in the same release. "Povetkin is an Olympic gold medalist, has loads of experience, he’s a former world champion, and he’s only lost to Joshua and (Wladimir) 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 (Marco) Huck, (Manuel) Charr, (Carlos) Takam, Wach and (David) 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."
Povetkin (35-2-1, 24 KOs) also competed on the Joshua-Ruiz 2 undercard and went to a split draw with Michael Hunter. The former heavyweight champion gets another opportunity to be in a marquee bout as he looks to inch closer to getting another crack at the gold.
"I am pleased to fight Whyte," Povetkin said. "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 May 2, people will see a spectacular fight."