A major heavyweight showdown has been postponed due to a boxer testing positive for COVID-19. Alexander Povetkin has been hospitalized as a result of the coronavirus and his fight with Dillan Whyte has been pushed back until January 30th.
Povetkin and Whyte were set to fight on November 21st but promoter Eddie Hearn made the announcement this morning that Povetkin has been hospitalized.
Unfortunately we got the news today that Alexander Povetkin is in hospital after testing positive for Covid-19. The fight will now be rescheduled to a target date of Jan 30. An announcement on our Nov 21 show will be made shortly @skysportsboxing @daznboxing #rollwiththepunches pic.twitter.com/yg4p9hPzfQ
— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) November 3, 2020
The fight was a rematch of their initial battle which had Povetkin knocking out Whyte. The rematch will have to be put on hold as Povetkin recovers.
In the meantime, Hearn was quick to make the best of the situation by suggesting that his heavyweight could face Tyson Fury on December 5th. Fury has made it known that he wants to fight on that date although an opponent is yet to be determined.
Payout Perspective:
While Hearn is moving forward from the delay, the concern once again is what is happening to athletes affected by COVID-19. Povetkin has had his share of failed drug tests but you might assume that he is a healthy and able individual. Yet, Hearn reports that he is in the hospital due to COVID-19. This has to be concerning despite the fact that the parties have already rescheduled their clash.
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