Alexander Povetkin knocked out Dillian Whyte with a stunning uppercut in the fifth round Saturday.
The Russian shatters Whyte’s hopes of fighting for the WBC world heavyweight title next year.
It was totally unexpected — Povetkin was on the brink of defeat in the fourth round and had shown no hint of threatening Whyte. Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn said he will now try to secure a rematch for Whyte, but his long wait for a WBC world title shot just got longer.
WHAT AN UPSET! Alexander Povetkin wipes out Dillian Whyte after being dropped earlier in the fight 😳 #WhytePovetkin pic.twitter.com/onAbi6JRoK
— SportingMatrix (@Sporting_Matrix) August 22, 2020
“I can’t quite believe it,” Hearn said. “When the punch landed I felt like I was in a dream. After two knockdowns I felt it was over, but this is the drama of heavyweight boxing and one punch completely changed the fight.
“We have a rematch clause, and the first thing Dillian said to me was, ‘Get me that rematch.’ … We’ll exercise that rematch clause. We’ll look to make that before the end of the year, and it’s a huge fight. He will rematch Alexander Povetkin and bring his No. 1 position back to life.”