Dillian Whyte’s crunch heavyweight clash with Alexander Povetkin originally set for May 2nd has been rescheduled to July 4th, Matchroom Boxing have confirmed.
Whyte, (27-1, 18 KOs) who is the mandatory challenger to Tyson Fury’s WBC world title was due to defend his WBC interim crown against former world champion Povetkin (35-2-1, 24 KOs) on May 2nd at the Manchester Arena, but the bout has been postponed in line with BBBofC regulations, as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Matchroom also confirmed their May 9th show featuring Lee Selby’s IBF Lightweight world title final eliminator against George Kambosos Jr at the Motorpoint Arena has also been rescheduled for July 11th, whilst Derek Chisora’s clash with Oleksandr Usyk at the O2 Arena on May 23rd is also off and subject to a date change.
A statement from Matchroom Boxing read:
“In line with the BBBofC and Government guidelines relating to COVID-19, Matchroom Boxing have postponed all events scheduled to be taking place in May, including Dillian Whyte vs. Alexander Povetkin at Manchester Arena on May 2, Lee Selby vs. George Kambosos Jr at the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff on May 9 and Oleksandr Usyk vs. Derek Chisora at The O2 in London on May 23.
“Subject to the developing situation, Whyte’s Interim WBC Heavyweight World Title clash with Povetkin has been rescheduled to Saturday July 4th, while Selby’s IBF Lightweight World Title Final Eliminator against Kambosos Jr has been rescheduled to Saturday July 11th.
“Tickets will be valid for these rescheduled dates or refunds will be available from your point of purchase.
“A new date for Usyk’s blockbuster Heavyweight showdown with Chisora is also being worked on, with tickets remaining valid for the rescheduled date once announced and refunds available from your point of purchase.
“The health and safety of the boxers, staff, event contractors and fans involved with our events remains the top priority for Matchroom Boxing and we thank everyone for their understanding.
“We look forward to bringing world class boxing events back to these shores as soon as it is safe to do so.
“Our thoughts are with everybody affected by the COVID-19 outbreak at this difficult time.”
The BBBofC released a statement of their own earlier on Monday confirming the suspension of all shows under their jurisdiction until the end of May, a week after cancelling all events until the end of April.
Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed on Saturday that 200 tickets would be made available to NHS workers fighting COVID-19 to all Saturday fight nights and pay-per-view cards for 12 months, upon the resumption.
