All that Dillian Whyte can do is stay ready and hope that the rest sorts itself out.
The top-rated heavyweight contender isn’t nearly as concerned over the threat of his next fight being postponed in the wake of the current global health crisis, as he is of not being prepared in the event his date with Alexander Povetkin proceeds as planned.
“I know I have a lot going on, a lot of stuff floating in the background. But Povetkin is a dangerous guy. You can never afford to overlook him,” Whyte (27-1, 18KOs) admits of his currently scheduled interim heavyweight title fight versus Russia’s Povetkin (35-2-1, 24KOs).
For now, the bout is due to take place May 2 at Manchester Arena in Manchester, England. Of course, every sporting and entertainment event presently on any schedule remains fluid at best, and with the strong likelihood of getting pushed back due to the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic which has already claimed more than 11,400 lives globally as of Friday evening.
Whyte’s date with Povetkin is one of the few which remains on the boxing schedule, with both boxers training as if it will be business as usual in time for their crossroads clash. It’s a challenge that was sought by England’s Whyte, who is arguably the best heavyweight in the world today to have never fought for a major title. He remains a mandatory challenger in waiting for the World Boxing Council (WBC) title held by unbeaten countryman Tyson Fury (30-0-1, 21KOs), who is not due to face until 2021 per a sanctioning body order.
The wait has been frustrating, but at the same time has allowed the streaking contender to sharpen his skills while continuing to learn on the job.
“I never had a long amateur career. I had seven amateur fights,” points out Whyte, who has won 11 straight since a December 2015 stoppage loss to Anthony Joshua (23-1, 21KOs) when both were still unbeaten rising prospects. “This is still learning to me.”
Whyte’s limited run in the non-paid ranks comes in stark contrast to the 40-year old Povetkin, who amassed a 125-7 record amidst a decorated amateur career. His run was capped by a Gold medal win for Russia in the 2004 Athens Olympics before turning pro in June 2005.
Povetkin has made it as far as a secondary titlist in the pro ranks, with his only losses coming at the championship level—a 12-round decision to then-lineal champ Wladimir Klitschko in October 2013, and a 7th round stoppage loss to Joshua, still an unbeaten and unified heavyweight titlist at the time of their September 2018 clash at Wembley Stadium in London.
“[Povetkin] has seen every style. I haven’t,” notes Whyte, who is coming off of a 10-round win over Poland’s Mariusz Wach last December in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia. “I’m out here swimming in the deep end, still learning. This is a massive opportunity for me to learn against these guys.
“Listen, I believe I beat them all anyway. I just gotta be in shape. As long as I leave the cakes alone, I’m good.”
Jake Donovan is a senior writer for BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox