“Let’s Not Listen to Opinions” – Alexander Povetkin’s Promoter Responds to Dillian Whyte’s Claims

Former WBC Interim heavyweight champion Dillian Whyte isn’t buying the fact that Alexander Povetkin has contracted COVID-19 and will be unable to step inside the ring very soon. ‘The Body Snatcher’ believes that Povetkin had taken too much damage in the first fight and he needs some time off to get back on track. He feels that the Russian boxer is citing COVID-19 as a mere excuse.

In the first encounter, Whyte was bossing over Povetkin with brutal shots until he ate the uppercut in round five. That one shot was enough to floor down the Brit, thus making Povetkin the new WBC Interim heavyweight champion.

While the re-match was rescheduled for November 28 but has been postponed indefinitely. Since Dillian Whyte is not convinced yet, Povetkin’s promoter Andrey Ryabinskiy has responded to the challenger.

He is unbothered about Whyte claims and told Sky Sports, “There are so many different opinions. Let’s not listen to opinions, but be guided by facts and make decisions. The facts are simple – Sasha got coronavirus, and we were forced to postpone the fight.”

He added, “This can happen to any athlete. Sasha was in the hospital. We have all the documents at hand. If Eddie Hearn has any question of this kind, I am ready to submit all these documents.”

Alexander Povetkin will return to the gym for Dillian Whyte soon

As per Ryabinskiy, Povetkin had contracted a much deadlier form of the virus. However, he is out of danger and will possibly return to training in two to three weeks. He has also shed light on Povetkin’s recent condition for the fans.

Ryabinskiy said, “He had a rather difficult form of coronavirus, but he passed this crisis period, the doctors put him back on his feet. Sasha  (Alexander Povetkin) is now feeling well; no complications have been identified. At the moment, his main task is to restore health and return to the necessary physical shape.”

He added, “We hope Sasha will return to training in two to three weeks. But any physical activity should be coordinated with doctors, while they are careful in their forecasts and only say that it is necessary to monitor the situation and Sasha’s well-being.”

Meanwhile, Whyte is also optimistic about this delay. He said, “I was just in my peak stage now, so I can’t just crash out and let it all die down. I’ve got to keep the engine warm and still train, but just not as hard. I keep the same intensity, but just not the volume. They wanted more time, or whatever. More time for me. More time for me to learn and bond with my team and to keep improving.”

Things will seemingly fume up more until the heavyweight gladiators lock horns again. This time it is sure to be more intense than their first encounter inside the ring.

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