Boxing tips: Povetkin v Whyte II odds and predictions
Jack Green makes his prediction for Dillian Whyte's heavyweight rematch with Alexander Povetkin in Gibraltar.
Povetkin v Whyte II odds
Dillian Whyte is out for revenge on Saturday night when he faces Alexander Povetkin in a rematch of his shocking knockout defeat to the Russian last August.
Whyte had been controlling the action throughout that first fight and knocked Povetkin down twice in the fourth round, but he was knocked out cold with a stunning uppercut in the fifth.
That was Whyte’s first defeat in 12 fights and it cost him his spot as the mandatory challenger for Tyson Fury’s WBC heavyweight title.
Povetkin, meanwhile, had lost by TKO to Anthony Joshua in September 2018 and managed only a draw against Michael Hunter in December 2019 before the win over Whyte fired him back into the heavyweight title picture.
The 41-year-old now has a 36-2-1 record across his 16-year professional career, and could earn one more big payday if he beats Whyte again and cements his status as the fourth-best heavyweight in the world behind Joshua, Fury and Deontay Wilder.
For Whyte, a win is a must, as another defeat to Povetkin would make it extremely difficult to earn the world title shot that never came during his 11-fight winning streak.
‘The Bodysnatcher’ is to earn the win in Gibraltar on Saturday night.
Povetkin is the underdog.
Povetkin v Whyte II prediction
Whyte was doing everything right in his first fight with Povetkin before he was caught by the big uppercut that ended his night.
The Brixton man was controlling the centre of the ring and using his jab well, and when he started to land power shots in the fourth round it seemed the finish was in sight.
His dominance was clear from the CompuBox numbers. Whyte outlanded Povetkin 63-34 in total punches and 30-22 in power shots, while also landing at a much higher rate than the Russian.
Povetkin has such power and experience, though, that his opponents can’t afford to lose concentration for even a moment. He faked to the body, lured Whyte into a trap and landed one of the best shots of his career.
That’s the test for Whyte this time around: can he box faultlessly for 12 rounds, or for however long it takes to stop Povetkin?
His career history suggests he will pass that test. The 32-year-old has continually made improvements throughout his 29 fights, developing from a raw former kickboxer into one of the most well-rounded heavyweights in the world.
He clearly has the talent and physical tools to beat Povetkin, and a more measured approach should see him earn the victory.
At 41, Povetkin is still dangerous but his chin is certainly suspect. As well as being knocked down twice by Whyte, he was stopped in the seventh round by Joshua and wobbled badly by David Price back in March 2018.
Expect Whyte to again dominate early on, and to be much more alert to the threat Povetkin poses. It may come late in the fight but the Brit should earn the stoppage to move back into the world title picture.
Whyte to win by KO/TKO/DQ
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