Whyte was trying to get revenge on Povetkin for the knockout suffered by the Londoner in August
The heavyweights were due to face off on November 21, three months after Povetkin knocked out the Londoner with a brutal knockout
Promoter Eddie Hearn said: « Sadly we learned today that Alexander Povetkin is in hospital after testing positive for Covid-19
“First of all, we wish Povetkin a speedy recovery It’s a tough time for shows; there will be a lot of ups and downs over the next few months
« The fight will now be postponed to a target date of January 30 An announcement on our November 21 show will be made shortly »
Whyte had accepted a fight against Povetkin when he knew a loss would put an end to his hopes of winning the world title early next year
The 32-year-old was in line to face the winner of Tyson Fury’s third fight with Deontay Wilder, but his loss to Povetkin put those hopes to an end
Ironically, Fury has since moved away from the trilogy fight and will instead be ready to face Agit Kabayel at the Royal Albert Hall on December 5th.
Despite the heavy save, Whyte was convinced he would get revenge on his second meeting with Povetkin
He said: « As soon as I got out of the ring I was looking for confirmation that the fight would be on I can’t wait to get back in the ring and get back what is rightfully mine I’m looking to do what I said I would do the first time and it’s beat Alexander Povetkin
« There won’t be any major adjustments, but I just need to be more turned on and not get distracted He was able to use his experience against me I’ll be much more focused and sharper in the rematch I come to win and knock him out I manage to tie the score and the only way to do that is knock him out «
Alexander Povetkin, Dillian Whyte, Coronavirus, Eddie Hearn, Tyson Fury, Boxing
World News – GB – Whyte vs Povetkin canceled after Russian tests positive for Covid-19
