What next for fighter Dillian Whyte?

After knocking out Alexander Povetkin in Saturday’s rematch in Gibraltar, the British heavyweight is eyeing a shot at the world title, writes Jack Rathborn

Whyte redeemed himself against the Russian (Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing)

Redemption was sweet for Dillian Whyte on Saturday on the rock of Gibraltar as his trademark left hook stole the senses of Alexander Povetkin. The Brit is back at the heart of the heavyweight landscape and can plot his route towards that elusive world title shot.

But is he actually in a better position, despite the harrowing knockout he suffered in the first fight against the Russian last year? Whyte’s fans will argue he is now a cuter fighter, aware of the perils of being too greedy and overstepping, walking into that dangerous territory fighters of Povetkin’s calibre capitalise on.

The heavyweight division is often settled on mistakes as much as magnificent combinations. Whyte eliminated the chance of gifting an opening to his rival by confiding in a trusted old friend, one that he has so often discarded in the past. He used his jab effectively in the rematch, a weapon that the sport’s legends have always expertly wielded when taken into deep waters.

His detractors will scoff at his chances of taking out Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua, but the truth is, for now, Whyte has established himself in the pack behind the two world champions, and can continue racking up seven-figure paydays while waiting for a world-title shot . Not a bad consolation, eh?

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The frustration at being frozen out of the mix for one of those four coveted belts appears to have subsided; there is nothing he can do until Joshua and Fury touch gloves. But perhaps the arduous journey for Whyte has enabled him to grow a fanbase who sympathise with his situation and, at times, his reckless approach.

Whyte is certainly a contender to fight some of the sport’s other big names, whether that is Deontay Wilder, now mocked for his litany of excuses for losing to Fury, or Andy Ruiz Jr, who has shed an enormous amount of weight under the tutelage of Canelo Alvarez’s trainer, Eddy Reynoso.

It’s not yet the glory he so dearly craves, but after closing the latest enthralling chapter of his career, Whyte emerges as driven as ever.

Yours,

Jack Rathborn

Assistant sports editor