- Whyte suffered a stunning fifth-round KO by Alexander Povetkin on Saturday
- He has been issued a 28-day medical suspension from boxing following the loss
- Mental Health and Psychosocial considerations during the COVID-19 pandemic
Whyte issued with 28-day medical suspension after loss to Alexander Povetkin.
A devastating uppercut from Russian Povetkin sent Whyte to the canvas in the fifth round of their clash on Saturday.
It was the second loss in Whyte’s career – the only other one a KO loss to Anthony Joshua.
The British Boxing Board of Control slapped the ‘Body Snatcher’ with a 28-day suspension from boxing – which includes sparring.
Whyte is targeting an immediate rematch with Povetkin later this year and his promoter Eddie Hearn has insisted it will not affect their plans.
Speaking to Boxing Social, Hearn said:
“Dillian has to go at the end of November at the latest. That would mean a three-week rest now and getting back into camp.
“He’s physically fine, we know it was a bad knockout and there will be a 28-day suspension which won’t really affect this fight.”
Whyte had been controlling the fight and had Povetkin on the canvas twice before the Russian detonated a powerful uppercut in the fifth round.
The defeat saw Whyte relinquish his No 1 challenger spot with the WBC and put any of his world title ambitions on the backburner.
Had he prevailed against Povetkin on Saturday night, Whyte would have been in a position to challenge the winner of Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder’s trilogy fight for the WBC title but now must win the rematch to re-enter the picture for a title shot.
