(Picture By Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing)

Does Alexander Povetkin Think Dillian Whyte Is Ready For Their Upcoming Fight?

By Fight Sports Jul 14, 2020

A former heavyweight champion, Alexander Povetkin understands the pressures of defending a title, while also focusing on future matchups. The 40-year-old is ready for his latest opportunity for gold. Does he think his opponent will be focused when they compete?

Povetkin (35-2-1) is set to face off against interim WBC Heavyweight Champion Dillian Whyte. The two will fight on August 22 in the finale of “Matchroom Fight Camp”, which will take place in the backyard of Matchroom’s UK office. They were supposed to fight one another on May 2 in Manchester, but the bout was postponed due to the coronavirus. After months of waiting, the two are ready to clash.

What is the mindset of Whyte heading into the fight, however?

Recently, Whyte (27-1) announced on social media that he is no longer working with head trainer Mark Tibbs. The two have been together for the past three+ years, and the separation is reportedly amicable. How will that factor into the upcoming clash?

“Anything can happen in the camp,” Povetkin stated to Sky Sports. “Proof boxers should be ready for everything. Only the fight will demonstrate if the trainer has had an effect on his camp and preparation.”

It is unknown the exact reason why Whyte decided to go towards a different route.

Whyte has not fought since December when he beat Mariusz Wach via unanimous decision. On an eleven-fight win streak, “The Body Snatcher” won the interim WBC title against Oscar Rivas in July. The 32-year-old has been the number one-ranked fighter for the WBC since 2017. If Whyte were to win, he would be one step closer to facing the WBC Heavyweight Champion. He will be waiting to face the winner of Tyson Fury v. Deontay Wilder, who will be competing in a trilogy bout before the end of the year.

Finally getting his opportunity after campaigning, is Whyte ready for the fight in front of him? Povetkin sees the next few months of planning as a distraction.

“Maybe there is pressure on him. Every fight has pressure,” Povetkin went on to say. “My preparation is responsible. I put in maximum effort not to lose the possibilities for the future.”

Povetkin last fought in December as well, fighting Michael Hunter to a split decision draw. He is 1-1-1 in his last three fights, his last win coming against Hughie Fury for the vacant WBA International Heavyweight Title.