Dillian Whyte vs Alexander Povetkin – who wins?
‘Body Snatcher’ vs ‘Sasha’
Dillian Whyte (27-1, 18 KOs) will make the first defence of his WBC Interim Heavyweight World Title against Alexander Povetkin (35-2-1, 24 KOs) at Manchester Arena on Saturday May 2, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Brixton’s Whyte landed the WBC Title with a unanimous decision win over Oscar Rivas in an exciting battle at The O2 in London back in July 2019 before travelling to Saudi Arabia in December where he outpointed former World Title challenger Mariusz Wach on the Ruiz vs. Joshua 2 undercard.
Russian dangerman Povetkin, an Olympic gold medallist and former WBA World Champion, proved that he still has what it takes to be a force in the Heavyweight division in 2019 with a win over Hughie Fury in August and a split decision draw with rising Heavyweight contender Michael Hunter in an all-out war in Diriyah.
BBN asked their panel of experts who they think wins and why?
Ryan Walsh
British featherweight champion
"Dillian Whyte via mid to late KO.
Povetkin will cause problems early and that amateur pedigree will be on show. I expect some sticky points in the early going, but the younger fresher man will win.
Boxing, like a lot of sports, is all about timing. Dillian is the man on the up. I feel this is a big ask for the 40 year old veteran. Both great left hookers, so that’s the punch I predict will end the fight. Really looking forward to this one!"
Kieran Gething
Welsh Area super-lightweight champion
"I hope it’s not me just believing the hype, but I think Whyte’s confidence will provide him the chance to dominate this fight. I think Povetkin is a great fighter but I think it shows that he is ageing and don’t expect him to upset Whyte’s world title charge!"
Tim Rickson
Sports Agent
"I'm backing my Brit, Dillian Whyte, to beat Alexander Povetkin.
Although I know the Russian is a force at heavyweight still, which he proved during that fantastic fight with Michael Hunter, I do believe that Dillian, nine years his junior, will be fresher and hungrier.
After getting himself into the WBC mandatory spot and having been made to wait so long for his turn, he will not be letting go of it easily. He showed his grit and strength in his fights with Joe Parker, Dereck Chisora and Oscar Rivas. Even under duress, he can battle hard to weather a storm and come out victorious. Mark Tibbs has worked wonders with him and he continues to improve with every fight.
I'm torn between a Dillian Whyte points win or a late stoppage in the championship rounds."
Ryan Clark
Co-Founder of buymyfight.com
"This is a tough fight for Dillian, as Povetkin may have the upper hand on stamina. If it goes the distance, Dillian could be more vulnerable for the big punch from Povetkin but if he comes out with a push forward plan, then for me he has the slight upper hand on the KO chances.
I think it’s a 50/50, but I’ll go with what I’d like to see and say Dillian KO win Round 6."
Anish Parekh
British Boxing News Writer
"Dillian Whyte was building up ahead of steam in terms of growing a loyal fanbase, becoming a pay-per-view star and notching genuinely impressive victories over gatekeepers, contenders and former champions. Then suddenly these mysterious findings are discovered by UKAD, who months later clear him of any wrong doing.
Boxing is unfortunately a sport littered with cheats and despite Whyte being cleared, there is still an air of suspicion because of the lack of transparency shown by UKAD. We still do not know what they found and why they were ultimately able to clear him.
Povetkin, however, is undeniably a cheat. He has failed numerous drug tests and is an example of how these cheats still continue to prosper in this most dangerous of sports.
What can’t be denied is the fighting heart and boxing pedigree of both men, regardless of the questions around them. Both are all-action fighters that have provided excitement to packed-out arenas on numerous occasions.
The feeling out period will be brief. Povetkin, now 40 years old, does not have the endurance to compete at world level for 12 rounds and will seek to obliterate a rusty Whyte with an early onslaught.
The Russian has the power to make a success of that tactic. If he doesn’t then the younger, fresher Whyte will outwork him to a late stoppage or grueling unanimous victory that will get him back on track towards challenging for that elusive world title."
Ben Day
Southern Area champion
"It's a 50-50 fight for me, so it'll have to be a 50-50 answer."
Chris Glover
Unbeaten pro boxer
"Lets hope it goes ahead!
It’s a close fight but I think Whyte will out work Povetkin and edge a decision. I’m not sure he can get the stoppage but if he does it’ll come late!
Let’s hope everyone gets healthy quickly!"
Daniel Smith
British Boxing News Writer
"When a British heavyweight-Bull with a freight train hook meets a Russian Stalwart banger, one thing is certain – someone is getting knocked out!
The moment that bell rings – from the first to the last savage blow that lands – Dillian Whyte and Alexander Povetkin's brutal waltz will not venture beyond the eighth round, for the sheer heavy-work doled out on the night will be nasty, spiteful, and thunderous in its nature.
The two heavies may trade leathered-batterings like "reddies" at a bookies' on Grand National day, however, I believe Whyte will be the one who lands cleanly, viciously, with devastating and emphatic knockout effect.
Whyte for me – round seven or eight via a chilling stoppage."
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