(Picture By Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing)

Who Will Be Helping Alexander Povetkin Against Dillian Whyte?

By FIGHTSPORTS Aug 5, 2020

Looking to not take any chances, Alexander Povetkin is getting all the help he can get before he faces Dillian Whyte on August 22. The former WBA Heavyweight Champion will prepare for his opponent by learning from his past adversaries.

Recently, Povetkin (35-2-1) has been working with Dereck Chisora. Whyte, the interim WBC Heavyweight Champion, and Chisora fought one another for the first time in 2016. Following a back and forth affair, Chisora lost the bout via split decision for the WBC International Heavyweight Title. They had a rematch a few years later (2018) for the WBC Silver and WBO International Heavyweight Titles, with Whyte winning again via knockout.

Looking to up the ante, Povetkin will be taking advantage of the 14-day quarantine all fighters must go through when entering the “Matchroom Fight Camp” atmosphere. He will be working with another one of Whyte’s opponents.

“Povetkin will be in ‘the bubble’ from Friday sparring with Dave Allen and Derek Chisora, who will also enter ‘the bubble’ to get tested,” Eddie Hearn told Sky Sports. “You will get Povetkin, Whyte, Allen and Chisora all in ‘the bubble’. Allen and Chisora helping out Povetkin! Whyte will not be over the moon.”

Whyte has faced Allen before, beating him for the WBC International Heavyweight Title. The judges would score the bout in favor of Whyte 100–90, 100–91, and 99–91. Allen currently does not have an opponent but will be on standby.

Povetkin is coming off of a split decision draw against Michael Hunter in Saudi Arabia on December 7. The “White Lion” has only lost to Wladimir Klitschko and Anthony Joshua. Klitschko ended a 26-fight win streak as Povetkin fought for the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, IBO, and The Ring Heavyweight Titles. Before facing Hunter, the 40-year-old beat Hughie Fury via unanimous decision back in August.

Whyte (27-1) has over 18 wins via knockout. His last fight was also in Saudi Arabia, beating Mariusz Wach via unanimous decision.

“Matchroom Fight Camp” will be taking place in the backyard of Matchroom’s U.K. office. The fight will air on DAZN.