Alexander Povetkin will need Udacha (luck) in his rematch with Dillian Whyte

Particulars: From Gibraltar (site not announced) on March 27, 2021, it’s Alexander ‘Sasha’ Povetkin vs. Dillian “The Body Snatcher” Whyte, rematch, (Sky Sports, DAZN). Some belt, Diamond or Zircon – will be on the line.

Background: Obviously slowed by age, looking two steps behind and vulnerable, an underdog – and most significantly – fighting in the UK, which sadly in recent years has handed down some of the worst decisions east of Texas - Alexander Povetkin was in trouble.

Then in a fight WAY over-the-top, DAZN announcers said Whyte was a round or two from ending via KO, ‘Sasha’ Povetkin, dipped low and started a left hook to Whyte’s body. He’d been working the deception all night long. Whyte, both mentally and physically clever in and out of the ring, fell for it and guarded against an incoming hook. In a fast-twitch second, Povetkin changed the hook to an uppercut and smashed it with incredible force against Whyte’s exposed chin.

Whyte – like a failed Sputnik - was unconscious long before hitting the deck, his head symbolically smacking the Matchroom logo for good measure. To their credit, DAZN’s amazed announcers finally gave Povetkin his props, calling it one of the most shocking turnarounds in heavyweight history. Well – in recent history, perhaps it was. Whyte’s head lulled on the canvas like a bad Hollywood impression of a KO – except this was no movie. KTFO – the naughty expression goes. Well – it applied in this case to the likeable rascal, Dillian Whyte. He was alive, thank goodness, but out like general anesthesia.

Fighter’s grades: (Speed, Power, Defense, Reach, Age, Stamina, Experience)

Alexander Povetkin: B B + B B- D+ B+ B+ (Average of all) B- (2.8)

Dillian Whyte: B- B- B- B- C- B B+ (Average of all) B- (2.7)

Reality check: Povetkin, to the eerie silence of a Covid-19 fight, left Eddie Hearn’s unreal, lavish estate – scene of the bout – and received only a “well-done” from the shocked Hearn. I thought this was very unsporting of Eddie – who generally gives fighters their due.

Indeed, until Povetkin returned to Russian soil www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNAItQF33Pc praise was in short supply. Hey – this dude was supposed to lose. Eddie had said he would. DAZN had said he looked old, and slow (he did) and would lose.

Doubtless the judges were ready to bail Whyte out as they had in a fight he CLEARLY lost to Chisora. Someone forgot to tell the extremely talented Povetkin – a man who never lived up to his potential.

Whyte – a guy I like tremendously for his honesty, brains and humor – while feeling he’s a bit overrated, was calling for a rematch before he had his wits back. Dude should have been in an ER for the scan, not giving a silly speech.

All above aside, this is Whyte’s fight to lose. Povetkin was losing in the first bout – but to be honest, both fighters looked lousy. Both have seen better days. Povetkin even looked older as DAZN’s crew noticed – his head and jowls well into middle age. He’d been down twice, but bounced right up. Power they say is last to go, but Whyte seems to be an exception. But – he’s the slightly fresher soldier and as I expect this to go the distance and the tribunal – I mean judges, will look to reward Whyte, it will take another great shot for Povetkin.

At least DAZN said there was nothing lucky about Povetkin’s, calm, collected strategy to go left hook to the body – until he didn’t and turned the ‘hook’ into that left uppercut – my favorite punch for a righty. But Whyte of course will be on guard when they play it back.

Sadly, if this ends in a decision of some kind for Whyte, look for Hearn and Whyte to then heap the praise on Povetkin he richly deserved in the first fight.

Fight and prediction: Dillian Whyte (narrow) UD 12, Alexander Povetkin. Controversy is certainly on the table, sadly.