WBC Interim Heavyweight Title Defence
Tonight’s Matchroom/DAZN rematch Main event at the Rock of Gibraltar between WBC Interim Heavyweight Champion Alexander Povetkin (36-3-1, 25 Kos) and Dillian Whyte (28-2, 19 Kos) was short and sweet for the challenger who walked it like he talked it and got his revenge inside that squared circle.
Dillian looked like a man on a mission from round one who had maximum violence written all over his body language. Dillian was focused and patient stalking his prey and pressuring Povetkin from all angles.
The early body shots from “The Body Snatcher” bothering Povetkin was a sign to me that it was going to be an early night for the champion. Povetkin looked shaky to me and possibly still feeble from contracting the Covid-19 virus prior to this bout. His punch resistance was non-existent.
That being said, Povetkin did attempt to regain some composure and tried to hold his ground as the rounds progressed but Dillian’s calculated movements and strong jabs prevented Povetkin from landing with anything significant enough to deter Dillian’s heavy shots coming his way.
Povetkin has been known to recover quickly in the past but in tonight’s round four that was not the case. Dillian went into “beast mode” and landed a devastating right hand to the dome of Povetkin that stunned him and had him on shaky legs into the ropes. Dillian then continued to administer a barrage of heavy punches that sent Povetkin down for the count which he beat, but his wobbly legs and body language were enough for the referee and his corner to throw in the towel to stop the fight.
Having been knocked out in the first showdown between them, this redemption win was a must at all cost. Dillian now reclaimed his WBC Interim Heavyweight Title and presumably resumed his much-anticipated mandatory position to fight for the full WBC Heavyweight Championship against the winner of the Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury bout.
Congratulations Dillian on redeeming yourself in an emphatic fashion.
Blaze