Alexander Povetkin eyes Dillian Whyte fight after Brit fails to negotiate deal with Anthony Joshua

The Russia was knocked out by the unified world heavyweight champion last year but is keen to mix it with fellow contender Whyte

Jack Rathborn
Friday 08 February 2019 16:16 GMT
Comments
Anthony Joshua offers advice to 19-year-old volunteer coach

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Alexander Povetkin has always been interested in facing Dillian Whyte after the Russian appeared on a shortlist to face the British contender following a breakdown in talks to rematch Anthony Joshua.

Terms could not be agreed with the unified world heavyweight champion, who now looks destined to fight Jarrell Miller in New York.

And Whyte has not been afraid to walk away and continue his own route, with Joshua’s former opponent more than willing to step up.

“Povetkin was always interested in the fight,” Vadim Kornilov, a manager for World of Boxing, told Sky Sports:

“We know that Dillian Whyte was talking a lot about wanting the fight.”

Whyte has also admitted taking on the Russian interests him – but only if Plan A fails.

“I think Breazeale is perfect,” Whyte told Sky Sports News.

Povetkin tested Joshua early on
Povetkin tested Joshua early on (Getty Images)

“If not him, then Povetkin is perfect, if not him, then Luis Ortiz.

Whyte is looking for a world title shot and would prefer to manufacture a mandatory shot, with both himself and Breazeale possessing high rankings with the WBC.

That could mean a shot at the winner of champion Deontay Wilder against Tyson Fury, with the pair destined to rematch after their thrilling draw. Though Whyte's shot looks to come at the earliest at the back end of 2019.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in