:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69037174/ExhexprXMAEMK3G.0.jpg)
Dillian Whyte got his revenge in pretty triumphant fashion today in Gibraltar, stopping Alexander Povetkin in the fourth round of their big heavyweight rematch, dominating the entire fight.
Whyte (28-2, 19 KO) pretty much had it all his way against the aged and possibly weakened Povetkin (36-3-1, 25 KO), who simply didn’t look like even the Povetkin of last August’s first fight, where he certainly felt Whyte’s shots, but had the power in his legs to keep fighting.
That wasn’t the case in this one, as Povetkin just did not look in good shape. There will be thought that a tough fight with COVID-19 ruined any chance Povetkin had here, but he also was in there, it was sanctioned and he passed medical exams and all that. Whyte was the better man here, did his job and dominated, and now gets back into the heavyweight race as he seeks a world title shot.
Those in boxing had their thoughts after the fight on Twitter, too:
Great finish @DillianWhyte smart boxing
— Kal Yafai (@iam_yafai) March 27, 2021
All respect to Whyte. Jumped straight back in there and righted a wrong. Great performance #whytepovetkin2
— Chris Billam-Smith (@ChrisBillam) March 27, 2021
Love that. Brilliant performance, massive win for him but doesn’t celebrate, goes and gets the stool for Povetkin.
— Dave Coldwell (@davidcoldwell) March 27, 2021
Absolute class from @DillianWhyte #PovetkinWhyte2
Catching COVID at any age is rough but catching it at 41 and then trying to fight.. povetkins legs never looked study and his punch resistance look down congrats to Dillian whyte for bouncing back
— JulianJrockWilliams (@Jrockboxing) March 27, 2021
Whyte may have ended Povetkins career there, landed some serious shots. Heavyweight division just got that bit more interesting!
— Frank Buglioni (@FrankBuglioni) March 27, 2021
Congratulations @DillianWhyte on a great performance tonight and for getting right back in there! Props on a brave performance from Povetkin too! #PovetkinWhyte2 @SkySportsBoxing
— Hannah Rankin (@Team_Rankin) March 27, 2021
Love see Joe Joyce v Dillian Whyte
— Joe Gallagher (@JoeG) March 27, 2021
Good way to be patient by Whyte. After he stopped TRYING to end Povetkin, he ended Potvetkin. #PovetkinWhyte2
— Mykal(Michael) Fox (@ProfessorMyke) March 27, 2021
Superb finish and REDEMPTION!! @DillianWhyte @SkySportsBoxing
— Conrad Cummings (@ChampCummings) March 27, 2021