Dillian Whyte faces Oscar Rivas next
WBC #1 Dillian Whyte (25-1) meets undefeated Colombian Oscar Rivas (26-0) on July 20 at London’s O2 Arena.
The 'Brixton Bodysnatcher' was left without an opponent after Tyson Fury withdrew from the Deontay Wilder rematch and the next in line, Dominic Breazale, immediately stepped in, who had previously been ordered to face Whyte for the WBC interim title.
But now unbeaten Rivas will face Whyte on July 20 at London’s O2 Arena, a credible opponent that will give the Londoner a real test as he tries to land world title fights with former conqueror Anthony Joshua and WBC king Wilder.
Canadian-based, Columbian-born Rivas, 31, has won all 26 fights since turning professional in August 2008. A 12th round knockout of former world heavyweight title challenger Bryant Jennings in January placed Rivas as a genuine contender and a win against Whyte will elevate his 10th position with the WBC meteorically.
Whyte has won nine bouts in a row since losing to bitter rival Anthony Joshua in December 2015. Among his victims are Dereck Chisora (twice), Lucas Browne and former WBO titleholder Joseph Parker. Along the way, he has collected the WBC International; British; WBC Silver; and WBO International heavyweight titles – in that order.