Dillian Whyte vs Alexander Povetkin fight date confirmed for May 2 at Manchester Arena

Dillian Whyte will risk his WBC mandatory status against Povetkin
Getty Images
Matt Davies3 March 2020

Dillian Whyte will fight Alexander Povetkin at Manchester Arena on May 2, Eddie Hearn has confirmed.

Whyte is the current WBC mandatory challenger, just one loss to Anthony Joshua tarnishing an otherwise perfect 28 fight record.

The Brit has opted for a stern challenge with a third Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder fight rendering the belt currently unavailable.

Povetkin has lost just twice in a 38-fight career, defeated by Anthony Joshua and Wladamir Klitschko. With the Russian now 40, the fight against Whyte surely represents his last chance for another shot at a world title.

Despite Povetkin coming to the end of his career, Whyte says he is not taking the challenge lightly.

“This is a great fight, he told Sky Sports. “Povetkin is an Olympic gold medallist, has loads of experience, he's a former world champion and he's only lost to Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko.

"I am not overlooking him. He will come in shape, he's tough and very well-schooled.

"I've got respect for him but I'm on to maximum violence, straight animal instinct."

Whyte will be fighting for the second time since he was provisionally and incorrectly suspended by the WBC over an alleged failed drugs test, overcoming Mariusz Wach in December.

Whyte battled to a unanimous decision victory against Wach on his return ( via Getty Images)
Getty Images

His performance against the stubborn 6ft, 7in heavyweight giant was somewhat below par - understandable given the circumstances.

Though Povetkin was stopped in the seventh round by Joshua, he showed his class before defeating Brit Hughie Fury and earning a hard-fought draw against American Michael Hunter.

On the fight, he said: "I am pleased to fight Whyte, it has long been discussed but didn't happen for whatever reason.

“I am not about big announcements, I am about winning in the ring, and on May 2 people will see a spectacular fight."

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