Russian promoter Andrey Ryabinskiy says his heavyweight Alexander Povetkin will deserve a WBC mandatory title shot should he beat Dillian Whyte in their rematch in Gibraltar on Saturday evening.
Povetkin defeated the WBC’s long-time No.1 contender Whyte in a stunning upset last August to earn the Mexican sanctioning body’s ‘Interim’ title, rising from two knockdowns to score an emphatic fifth round KO in Brentwood. Londoner Whyte immediately invoked a rematch clause with the return bout twice delayed after Povetkin struggled with a bout of Covid-19.
Promoter Ryabinskiy believes Russian veteran Povetkin will deserve his tilt at the eventual victor of the projected two-fight series between WBC king Tyson Fury and WBA Super, WBO and IBF champion Anthony Joshua with a repeat win over Whyte.
“Naturally, a victory will demonstrate that Alexander is one of the leading contenders for a world championship title,” Ryabinskiy told Metro. “Once again, in many consecutive years, Povetkin will prove that he belongs to the very elite of the heavyweight division.
“I am sure that the victory in the rematch will make it clear to everyone that Alexander deserves another fight for the world title. And I hope that the WBC will not delay the appointment of a mandatory title defence.”
Main image: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing.