CHAMPS CHUMPS NOT
Whyte eyes big-time bout Nervy Hatton has a lot to learn
IN FOUR THE KILL: Whyte finishes the job
DILLIAN WHYTE’S wait for a world heavyweight title shot will go on despite his latest convincing victory.
He has had to defeat former world champions and ex-world title challengers in the four years since he was named the WBC’S No.1 contender.
One-time WBA king Alexander Povetkin is the third old champion he has beaten and now promoter Eddie Hearn wants him to face EXWBC title-holder Deontay Wilder this summer.
Whyte enjoyed a four-round revenge win but, although he reclaimed the WBC interim title, the sanctioning body have not automatically reinstated him as their mandatory challenger.
The Londoner said: “Eddie likes to put me in these hard fights. I need a fight where I can make some money and not take so many risks. Whoever wants the fight, I don’t care.”
Hearn feels Whyte should keep busy while the four main titles are tied up.
The Matchroom MD said: “I’d like to see him box again in the summer. Maybe let’s go over to the States and have a fight there because we know there’s a logjam.
“We called for the Deontay Wilder fight for a long, long time. He actually sent a DM to Dillian Whyte and told him, ‘I will never, ever give you that fight.’
“He got knocked out and is now calling for the fight. For me that’s a stadium fight, a colossal fight.”
Whyte, 32, impressed at the Europa Point Sports Complex in Gibraltar on Saturday night, even if Father Time and coronavirus appear to have taken their toll on the 41-year-old Russian.
He repeatedly hurt Povetkin with his right but did not rush in looking for the finish, which cost him so dearly in his KO loss to him in August.
New cornerman Harold Knight’s influence was obvious and Whyte jabbed well until he knocked Povetkin against the ropes with a huge right and unloaded on him before flooring him with a showreel left hook.
Referee Victor Loughlin waved the fight off with 21 seconds left of the fourth.
TYSON FURY’S dad, John, doubts whether his son’s fight with Anthony Joshua will happen.
He said: “They’ve signed nothing in my eyes. They’ve got no date, no venue, no nothing.”
EDDIE HEARN claims Campbell Hatton could take years to learn his trade as a pro because he is so green.
Ricky’s son (left) looked ragged at times as he comfortably beat Spanish journeyman Jesus Ruiz on points to win his pro debut.
by DAVID ANDERSON His next fight will be on the undercard of Joseph Parker-derek Chisora on May 1.
Hearn said: “It will take him a couple of years just to learn the sport and the trade, it’s not going to be easy. He’s going to box eight or nine times a year all over the world.
“There’s a lot of pressure on him, not like a normal kid with 50 people at a debut.
“Everyone is watching around the world and it’s going to be a long journey.”
Hatton, 20, landed some bodyshots reminiscent of his dad but admitted: “I don’t think I boxed my best, I know I can do a lot better than that.
“As much as I tried not to, I think the nerves got to me a bit – so I can only get better next time.”