Dillian Whyte and Alexander Povetkin step into the ring together for the second time when they rumble on the rock in Gibraltar on Saturday.
Whyte had previously only lost to Anthony Joshua in a 28-fight career, but Povetkin landed a savage uppercut to win by TKO in round five.
Going into the first fight, it was perceived that the Bodysnatcher was on the up and perhaps the Russian’s best days were behind him.
However, Povetkin was able to expose the Brixton puncher’s suspect defence and win the contest, despite being put on the canvas twice, prior to ending the fight.
Whyte was rated a 2/7 shot for the first bout and this time around the Londoner is a 5/19 chance.
Saturday’s fight has pretty much been priced up as if the first contest never took place and, at 5/2, it looks worth backing Povetkin for a repeat victory.
Whyte’s Suspect Defence
Of course, Whyte was having the better of their first clash, but he was unable to stop the Russian and Povetkin’s victory doesn’t look like the fluke it is being billed as by many.
The Bodysnatcher is the younger, fresher and less exposed fighter and the Brixton banger was always likely to have the edge in terms of movement and sharpness. However, Whyte’s suspect defence has been evident in his previous fights and both punchers now know that Povetkin has the power to end the fight.
Whyte was fortunate to beat Dereck Chisora in both of their dust-ups. Chisora landed hook after hook on Whyte’s chin and the Brixton man seemed to lack both the knowledge and defensive ability to stem the tide.
Chisora is a good operator, but Povetkin possesses far more power than the Finchley man and if Whyte hasn’t tightened up his guard he could be exposed again.
Fight Tactics
It’s possible that after feeling the power of Povetkin, Whyte may look to go into his shell and outbox the Russian for 12 rounds. It’s also worth considering that the Bodysnatcher may still be improving, whereas we know what level Povetkin is at.
However, at the prices, it still looks worth playing the big-punching Russian. Whyte’s best tactic may be to try and get the fight stopped early and not give Povetkin a chance to land a bomb. However, it’s possible that Whyte’s far from water-tight defence will be exposed again, should the fight develop into another slugfest.
Under the Rounds Looks Value
Whyte also brings plenty of power into the fight and he had the Russian down twice in their first tussle. Povetkin has the experience and knowledge to know he is unlikely to be able to outbox the Bodysnatcher and everything points to another early finish.
The Brixton banger may look to box and move, but that would take away his best attributes of fighting on the front foot with power shots and, in turn, put pressure on his defence.
Whyte is unlikely to want to give Povetkin time to get into the fight and land some big punches of his own and, at 50/51, backing the fight to end before the start of round eight looks a solid bet.
*All odds correct at time of writing.