What is Dillian Whyte’s route to a world title?

Interim WBC champion wants heavyweight title

Dillian Whyte could be among the first fighters to get back in the ring once boxing returns – and he may be set for a career-defining year.

The 32-year-old hasn’t fought since December, when he beat Mariusz Wach, and he was due to defend his interim WBC title against Alexander Povetkin in Manchester in July.

But with British sport currently on hold, that fight will have to wait for the time being.

Whyte has made no secret of his desire to become a heavyweight champion and has called out former opponent Anthony Joshua on a number of occasions.

However, AJ appears to have bigger fish to fry meaning Whyte may have to bide his time or take a different route.

Alexander Povetkin

Before taking on one of the title holders, Whyte will have to get past Povetkin – and it could be in an unfamiliar venue.

When boxing finally returns, it will almost certainly be held behind closed doors initially and instead of fighting in front of an empty stadium, Eddie Hearn has floated the idea of staging events in his back garden.

The promoter’s mansion in Essex is the headquarters for Matchroom and Hearn has ambitions of hosting four fight nights over consecutive weekends in July, with Whyte and Povetkin headlining the final event.

Anthony Joshua

Joshua is the obvious fight to give Whyte a title shot, providing the latter can overcome Povetkin.

The 30-year-old is the current WBA (Super), IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight champion after beating Andy Ruiz Jr. in a rematch last year.