Fight Focus: Alexander Povetkin vs. Dillian Whyte II
Seven months on from a devastating knockout loss at the hands of Alexander Povetkin, redemption is on the mind of Dillian Whyte.
The long-standing heavyweight world title contender, along with the fans watching on, were reminded that it only takes one moment to change the outcome of a fight in boxing’s biggest and most prestigious division.
Despite having his eventual Russian conqueror on the canvas twice in their initial meeting, Whyte would ultimately taste defeat at Matchroom Fight Camp last August - following live boxing’s return from the pandemic break.
This weekend, after a previous delay due to COVID-19, Whyte returns to the ring aiming to avenge that loss at ‘The Rumble on the Rock’ in Gibraltar.
A second consecutive setback to Povetkin could spell disaster for his ambitions of becoming world heavyweight champion but a recovering victory would set up a potential shot at the gold.
With Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury set to battle for all the belts and recognition of undisputed champion, Whyte could put himself in a strong position to eventually contest the victor in another high-profile showdown.
There’s plenty on the line for the Jamaican-born British fighter, as he prepares for the biggest test of his career to date. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of fight night.
Road to rematch
Not shying away from another challenge, Whyte had no hesitation in activating an immediate rematch clause in light of his Povetkin defeat last year.
The 32-year-old had been the WBC mandatory title challenger for over 1000 days before then and was seeking a clash with former title holder Deontay Wilder.
Whyte was also enjoying an 11-fight win streak since his first professional loss to Anthony Joshua in 2015 - who he holds an amateur victory over - including success against Derek Chisora (twice), Lucas Browne and former heavyweight champion Joseph Parker.
Rematch redemption this Saturday night would see him reclaim the WBC interim title and the mandatory position that he held for so long; setting him back on course for a desired shot at world honours, with former rival ‘AJ’ or Fury potentially on the horizon.
How to watch
The heavyweight rematch will be shown live on Sky Sports Box Office on Saturday, March 27th and can be purchased for £19.95.
The live TV broadcast will start from 6pm GMT and the main event ring walks are expected to begin at approximately 10.30pm GMT.
Fight venue
The bout will take place at the Europa Point Sports Complex in Gibraltar, with the card being called ‘The Rumble on the Rock’.
Undercard details
The undercard will also feature Ted Cheeseman taking on James Metcalf for the vacant British light-middleweight title, while Chris Kongo and Michael McKinson battle for the WBO Global welterweight strap.
Rising heavyweight talent Fabio Wardley looks to continue his career climb against former world title challenger Eric Molina and Ricky Hatton’s son Campbell Hatton makes his professional debut too.
There are also clashes between Erik Pfeifer and Nick Webb and Youssef Khoumari against Kane Baker.