British boxing veteran Dillian Whyte has shared the ring with some of the greatest fighters of the heavyweight division.
From Whyte knocking out his rival Derek Chisora, to a huge headline bout with Tyson Fury, ‘The Body Snatcher’ has had a truly impressive career.
Despite not being able to get his hands on a world title at the time of writing, Whyte has shown that he has been able to compete with top contenders in the division.
Perhaps the best example of Whyte’s abilities was his rivalry with a top Russian competitor.
Dillian Whyte met Alexander Povetkin for the first time in 2020
Following Whyte’s loss to Anthony Joshua in 2015, the heavyweight would regain form following his first-ever defeat. A run of 11 straight victories would see Whyte paired up with Alexander Povetkin in August 2020.
The Russian had a professional record of 35-2-1, with one of his losses also coming against Joshua. The two competed for the interim WBC World Heavyweight title, fighting in the unorthodox venue, Matchroom HQ Garden, due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The bout appeared as if it were going the way of the British fighter, whose impressive start to the fight was followed by two knockdowns over Povetkin in the fourth round. However, things would quickly change in the fifth round.
A turning of the tide from round four to five would see a razor-sharp uppercut connect on the chin of Whyte. Landing a knockout blow, Povetkin would be the winner of the bout, claiming the interim title in the process.
Whyte was left sprawled on his back as a result of the devastating shot. However, given his success prior to the final blow, the pair had an immediate rematch.
Dillian Whyte got his revenge on Alexander Povetkin in March 2021
Seven months after Povetkin’s comeback win against Whyte, he would aim to defend his interim title against ‘The Body Snatcher’.
For their sequel bout, the pair would compete in Gibraltar in March 2021.
Whyte was able to start the bout in a similar way to their last meeting, as he found himself ahead after the opening rounds. The fight would once again end in a finish, however, Whyte was on the right side of the punch in the sequel.
Able to build on the power punches he had already landed in the fight, Whyte’s left hook would finally put Povetkin down and out.
The referee waved off the bout as Whyte was able to claim the interim WBC World Heavyweight title, setting up an undisputed bout with Tyson Fury. However, Fury would retain his title via TKO in April 2022.