Dalian White received his revenge for withdrawing the WBC interim heavyweight title with a dominant performance against Alexander Povetkin and a fourth-round TKO win.
Povetkin made a great comeback and it was a comeback fight after being knocked out as a contender for August last year. This time, Whyte was not only fighting for redemption, but possibly his entire boxing career.
And he gave just enough with his back against the wall.
MORE: UFC 260 odds, predictions
Like the first fight, White appeared in control behind a jab he couldn’t miss and was a right-handed man. But it was a relatively sinister affair in the early stages, as both landed the bomb from the opening bell. Povetkin never really seemed to get under his feet as he staggered around the ring whenever the wot connected to a power shot.
Povetkin had a short right hand in the third round and the best punch of the fight at that point. Povetkin took it well but it was clear that White found a formula to cut the Russian. Instead of hastening to do so last August, Whott composed himself and asked for the full opportunity to land his big shots.
The opportunity came in the following period when an overhand right by White landed the flush and followed the injured Pavetkin. A trademark left hook sealed the deal as Povetkin padded the canvas with his back against the ropes. He would manage to get his feet but his corner saved him from further punishment by throwing his fighter into the towel at the 2:39 mark.
With the win, WhatsApp is now in the queue for the winner of the undisputed title showdown between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury. However, given that Joshua and Fury are off for two fights, why White might need to fight another battle to wait for the winner.
“It’s time to put me in an easy fight and get me some money,” White later joked. Knowing there is a logjam in the division as everyone awaits Joshua-Fury’s result, White said he is ready for a rubber match with Pavtkin.
“I’m willing to run it again if he wants to,” he said. “The first one I shouldn’t have lost and I’m still angry about it. We can do it again.”
There is also another sluggish fight and it is a potential showdown with former WBC champion, Deontay Wilder.
“We call the Deontay fight for a long, long time,” said Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing. “He DMs Wilder and says he will never, ever fight him. But now that he’s knocked and it’s a stadium fight.”
Although his next opponent is uncertain, one thing is sure: Dillian White is back.
.
Leave a Reply