Boxing news: Dillian Whyte vs Alexander Povetkin officially announced for May 2 in Manchester
Dillian Whyte will return in a heavyweight fight against Alexander Povetkin on May 2 at the Manchester Arena.
Britain’s ‘Body Snatcher’ takes on the tough Russian, who has previously only been beaten by Wladimir Klitschko and Anthony Joshua.
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The fight will be broadcast on Sky Sports Box Office pay-per-view in the UK.
Last time out, both men fought on AJ’s undercard as he gained a rematch victory over Andy Ruiz Jr.
On that show back in December, Whyte outpointed Mariusz Wach in a short-notice ten-rounder.
Meanwhile Povetkin drew against America’s Michael Hunter – with many feeling he was perhaps fortunate to avoid defeat.
“This is a great fight, Povetkin is an Olympic gold medallist, has loads of experience, he’s a former world champion and he’s only lost to Joshua and Klitschko,” said Whyte.
“He is still very dangerous, he gave AJ a lot of problems and then beat Hughie Fury. I am not overlooking him at all, he will come in shape, he’s tough and very well-schooled.
"You only have to look at his resume to see that he's always been considered as one of the most fearsome punchers in the Heavyweight division with big KO wins over Huck, Charr, Takam, Wach and Price.
"He showed in Saudi Arabia that he still has a lot left in the tank and he is still very dangerous. I’ve got respect for him but I’m on to maximum violence, straight animal instinct.
“I want to be heavyweight champion of the world so anywhere in the world is my lion’s den. If you aspire to be world champion, you should be able to fight anywhere.
"Manchester is a great city with great fight fans and I’m looking forward to going back there.”
Povetkin added: "I am pleased to fight Whyte, it has long been discussed but didn't happen for whatever reason.
“Dillian is a good strong boxer and it will make for an interesting fight. I am not about big announcements, I am about winning in the ring, and on May 2nd people will see a spectacular fight."