Dillian Whyte's (27-2, 18 KOs) shock knockout defeat to Alexander Povetkin (36-2-1, 25 KOs) at Fight Camp 4 in August means the rematch, confirmed for Nov. 21, is do-or-die for his world heavyweight championship ambitions.
It's a sentiment that is even shared by Whyte's own promoter, Matchroom Boxing boss Eddie Hearn.
At the confirmation of the second bout between the two heavyweight contenders for the interim WBC championship, Hearn admitted that his man has one chance — and one chance only — to get back on the path towards mandatory contendership for the belt currently held by Tyson Fury.
“If he wants to fight for a world title, absolutely everything is on the line in this fight,” Hearn said. “Everything is on the line for his career on November 21."
On the first fight, which was a four-round Whyte masterclass featuring two knockdowns before Povetkin's huge uppercut in the fifth flipped the script, Hearn added: “It was a big shock, especially as he was seen to be controlling the fight and it was a brutal, brutal knockout that was seen around the world.
"From the moment he found his way back to the changing room to the moment he saw me, all he could talk about was the rematch.
“He has had three or four weeks to rest up, it is nine weeks this Saturday. So he won’t be starting full camp for another week or so, but he is so hungry to win.
"Many people think he is foolish taking the rematch so early, but he believes he should have won that fight, he wants the chance to avenge that fight and he wants the chance to do it quickly.
“Povetkin said ‘I’m all in, I knocked you out once, I will do it again’.”
Hearn went on to confirm that the rematch, which for the time being has no undercard and no venue, will hopefully land at one of two London venues: Wembley Arena or the Royal Albert Hall.
“Those are two places we are looking at, subject to fans returning,” Hearn explained. “With or without fans that takes place on November 21."