‘I was bossing it’ – Dillian Whyte responds to devastating knockout loss to Alexander Povetkin

The Russian pulled off the upset with a stunning fifth-round stoppage, but a rematch clause looks set to be activated

Dillian Whyte has called for an immediate rematch with Alexander Povetkin in December and claims he was “bossing” the fight before being brutally knocked out in the fifth round.

The Russian’s stealth-like left uppercut caught the British heavyweight by surprise, reversing the one-way momentum after Whyte dished out two knockdowns of his own in the fourth round.

The loss means Whyte’s agonising, 1,000-day wait for a world title shot must go on after relinquishing his mandatory status with the WBC.

Whyte’s instinct in the immediate aftermath was to call for the rematch, while maintaining he was in total control of the contest before its abrupt ending.

“Can we get the rematch in December? OK cool,” Whyte said when meeting promoter Eddie Hearn immediately after the fight.

Alexander Povetkin ruins Dillian Whyte’s world title hopes with a devastating uppercut (Matchroom) (Matchroom Boxing)

“I’m good, it’s one of those things where he just landed, I was bossing it.

“It is what it is. Rematch, it’s cool. That’s what boxing’s about.”

While Whyte maintains he has no regrets about taking the fight over waiting patiently for his shot at a world title.

""I have no regrets. It was a great fight and Povetkin did well. I know I can beat him, I showed that from round one. Obviously he is very experienced," Whyte told Sky Sports.

"His corner was on the verge of pulling him out. But he pulled out one of the best punches of his career. That's heavyweight boxing, full of drama, ups and downs.

"I didn't rush him in the fourth round because he is dangerous - when he's hurt he swings big punches."