Boxing
Dillian Whyte vs. Deontay Wilder in final eliminator could happen if Whyte beats Alexander Povetkin, says the WBC
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It appears the WBC like the idea of Dillian Whyte and Deontay Wilder facing off in a final eliminator for their world heavyweight title, should Whyte successfully avenge his 2020 loss to Alexander Povetkin.
Whyte was the body's interim champion last year heading into Matchroom Boxing's Fight Camp in August, and victory over Povetkin in the first fight would have ensured mandatory challenger status to titleholder Tyson Fury.
With Fury's trilogy fight against Wilder, the man he dethroned last February, not coming to fruition in the winter after all, it could have led to a title fight for "The Bodysnatcher" in November or December. Instead, he was rocked with an uppercut out of nowhere after dominating the first four rounds and dropping Povetkin twice.
Wilder hasn't fought since losing the belt to Fury, but if Whyte is able to reclaim the interim version of the title, WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman likes the idea of Whyte vs. Wilder determining the next mandatory.
"Yes, that could be a very interesting match-up, he told Sky Sports. "Yes, absolutely. Yes, I like the idea.
"Of course the rankings are by merit. We'll see what happens on March 27. If Whyte wins, then he becomes the interim champion.
"He would be in a very privileged position and it's just a good time for boxing.
"Unfortunately we are not promoters, we are not match-makers, but this could be potentially a very interesting fight.
"There is great talent in the heavyweight division and I am sure that we are up for a great ride in the coming years. We have so many combinations that can happen.
"Of course the excitement of Fury and Joshua is what everyone is talking about, but there are also many other fights that could potentially take the great entertainment for the boxing fans around the world."
If the heavyweight scene were to move in that general direction, there is a small chance Whyte and Wilder could even do battle in an actual title fight.
While it seems the four main governing bodies are willing to let Anthony Joshua and Fury unify the division this year, it is likely that the WBO will vacate their title soon after that happens and elevate the winner of the planned interim title fight between Joe Joyce and Oleksandr Usyk.
If AJ and Fury do indeed fight twice, there is the possibility that the WBC may choose to back the Whyte-Wilder winner as their full champion down the line.
