Dillian Whyte’s stunning 2020 knockout loss to Alexander Povetkin is now under serious review, with the result potentially set to be overturned following shocking revelations.
Whyte, who was knocked out by a brutal uppercut in the fifth round, had been on the cusp of a WBC title shot before the defeat. The loss temporarily derailed his heavyweight ambitions, though he avenged it with a stoppage win in their 2021 rematch.
At the time, the loss seemed like a simple case of being caught by a perfect punch. But now, it appears Whyte’s career trajectory may have been unfairly altered.
Dillian Whyte’s Loss Revoked as Alexander Povetkin Fails Drug Test
Reports indicate that Povetkin tested positive for a banned substance, though specifics about the substance and testing timeline remain unclear. This revelation has cast a shadow over their initial bout, raising questions about the integrity of the fight and the fairness of the outcome.
Povetkin, a former Olympic gold medallist and WBA heavyweight champion, had previous doping violations, including positive tests for meldonium and ostarine. Despite these past infractions, he faced no public sanctions after the Whyte fight, which is now drawing heavy scrutiny.
The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) and other governing bodies are reviewing the case, with the potential to overturn the result officially. If that happens, Whyte’s record would be amended, possibly altering his career narrative and reinstating his claim as a top contender during that period.
Whyte’s record is set to improve from 31-3 to 31-2.
It is not only this result that will be affected if Povetkin is punished for his PED use. Povetkin holds wins over Carlos Takam, Hughie Fury, David Price, and Christian Hammer, all of which will be affected by this scandal.
This development adds another layer to boxing’s ongoing battle with doping scandals, raising concerns about transparency, fairness, and the lasting impact of tainted victories on fighters’ legacies.
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