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As BoxingScene.com reported earlier, WBC interim-heavyweight champion Alexander Povetkin tested positive for COVID-19 and his upcoming rematch with Dilllian Whyte has been postponed.
Back in August, Povetkin scored a sensational fifth round knockout of Whyte in the fifth round. It didn’t take long before Whyte exercised an immediate rematch clause, with the second fight being set down for November 21 in the UK.
Povetkin is currently being treated as a hospital in Moscow, Russia.
“Povetkin contracted the coronavirus, he has a fever. There is another person on the team who tested positive, all measures have been taken. Everyone, including Povetkin, is isolated,” said the boxer’s promoter, Andrei Ryabinsky, to tass.
“Alexander is now isolated in a Moscow facility, taking care of his health. The rematch will definitely take place in 2021.”
Povetkin will retain his status as the top challenger to the WBC heavyweight crown, which is currently held by Tyson Fury.
“Alexander Povetkin will retain the status of the official challenger for the WBC title,” said WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman.
Povetkin is expected to make a full recovery, according to his team.
“Everything is fine, there are no physical threats. Alexander is in a good clinic, he only has a fever, but nothing critical. Alexander himself will not comment on anything further. He is focused on his treatment,” a team spokesman stated.