Alexander Povetkin is planning another spectacular dose of punishment when he meets Dillian Whyte in their rematch on November 21.
In late August, the seasoned Russian surprised most of the boxing world when he rose from two knockdowns to derail Whyte’s world title aspirations with a stunning fifth round knockout, courtesy of a sweetly-timed left uppercut.
Londoner Whyte had been seeking to rubber-stamp a 2021 title shot against WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury until that one, brutal shot changed everything. After Whyte exercised an immediate rematch clause, Povetkin is promising more of the same in their return engagement.
“I’m preparing in the same way as I did for the last fight with this opponent,” said Povetkin (36-2-1, 25 KOs) to the Russian media. “I’m going to England to win.
“Let’s see how the fight goes, but I’m only going in with the mindset to win. I will try to repeat the spectacular knockout over Whyte. Physically and mentally, I’m ready for this.
“After the last fight, I didn’t feel anything special, I was just pleased. I’m glad that I stayed patient and brought it to an end.”
Povetkin earned the WBC interim title with that August KO of Whyte and a repeat victory will see the former WBA title-holder well placed to meet the winner of the two-fight series between rival champions Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, who are due to face off twice in 2021.
Main image: Old master Povetkin KOs Whyte in August. Photo: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing.