The rematch between Russian warhorse Alexander Povetkin and Brixton banger Dillian Whyte will take place on March 6.
Povetkin-Whyte II is expected to be officially announced later this week as part of a raft of Matchroom Boxing shows after the return was postponed twice from projected dates in November and January due to the Russian’s recent battles with Covid-19.
Last August, Povetkin (36-2-1, 25 KOs) rose from two knockdowns to stunningly KO Whyte (27-2, 18 KOs) in the fifth round and wrest the WBC Interim heavyweight crown and that organisation’s mandatory position from the Londoner’s grasp.
“This is obviously one that people know was gonna happen, but we will be announcing the official date of Whyte-Povetkin II, which is March 6,” promoter Eddie Hearn told ‘The Ak & Barak Show’.
“Of course, the first one was the final fight of fight camp, August 22. I can still see it in my mind and that’s a big fight for the heavyweight division. Of course, while we’re trying to finalise AJ against Fury, Whyte-Povetkin’s right up there.
“You know, it’s for the mandatory position in the WBC. It’s a great heavyweight fight. So that will be lodged into the opening part of our 2021 schedule. So, big, big fight for Dillian Whyte. It’s a must-win fight. And, if he wins that fight, I know he wants a shot at the WBC title.”
Povetkin-Whyte II will take place in the UK without fans in attendance due to the current, devastating impact of the Coronavirus.
Main images: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing.