Dillian Whyte Has No Regrets About Fighting Povetkin, Vows To Win Rematch

Dillian Whyte insists he has no regrets about facing Alexander Povetkin despite suffering a vicious knockout defeat at the hands of the Russian heavyweight on Saturday night.

Whyte put his WBC interim belt and mandatory position on the line against Povetkin who recovered from two fourth-round knockdowns to score a one-punch KO in the fifth.

Speaking to Sky Sports News on Sunday Whyte claimed he had no regrets about taking the fight and vowed to beat Povetkin when the pair rematch later this year.

“I have no regrets,” Whyte said.“It was a great fight and Povetkin did well. I know I can beat him. I showed that from round one. Obviously, he is very experienced. His corner was on the verge of pulling him out. But he pulled out one of the best punches of his career. That’s heavyweight boxing – full of drama, ups and downs. I didn’t rush him in the fourth round because he is dangerous. When he gets hurt, he swings big punches.”

“It was a silly mistake. I blocked that punch 100 times in training. The one time it needed to be blocked, I was too late. He was on his last legs and I was pressing him. But that’s heavyweight boxing, man. That’s what happens.”

“I’m still one of the top heavyweights around,” Whyte said. “It’s not like I’m old or beaten up. I’m still learning. I learned from a harsh mistake. I’m still the same me, ready to go. I can’t wait to get back in there.”

“He is a very dangerous guy,” Whyte said. “I was bossing it, winning the fight, but I got caught. It wasn’t like I got beaten up round after round. I just got clocked! Fair play to him. He set it up and landed a punch. He’s a good fighter who has beaten a lot of top guys. In the rematch, I will handle business.

“You have to strike while the iron is hot. The time is now. There’s no point waiting into next year. He’s in shape, I’m in shape, let’s get it on. Immediate rematches are usually on fire.” 

Do you think Dillian Whyte will beat Alexander Povetkin in a rematch?