Dillian Whyte vs Alexander Povetkin 2 pushed back to March 27 in Gibraltar as Eddie Hearn announces ‘Rumble on the Rock’

DILLIAN WHYTE’S rematch with Alexander Povetkin has been delayed until March 27 as Eddie Hearn announced the ‘Rumble on the Rock’ in Gibraltar.

The heavyweight pair were scheduled to fight again on March 6 but a venue had yet to be announced and the decision has been taken amid the coronavirus pandemic.

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Eddie Hearn announced Dillian Whyte’s rematch with Alexander Povetkin[/caption]

Whyte is currently training out in Portugal, but as it is on the UK Government’s ‘red list’ he would have to quarantine in a hotel for ten days.

The bout being pushed back by three weeks will allow for any potential periods of self-isolation.

Hearn tweeted: “Sometimes you gotta think outside the box! Get ready for a crazy event March 27 in Gibraltar!!! #PovetkinWhyte2”

Promoter Hearn had previously hinted at a delay due to Covid and when speaking to iFL TV, he said: “There is a chance it could be delayed.

“I don’t think it will be, the main thing is to get Dillian Whyte out of Portugal. It looks like tomorrow that may happen.

“(Portugal is) in the red list, and the issue we’re having is the government won’t allow Dillian Whyte to isolate in the bubble, he has to isolate in a government hotel.

“That is impossible for Dillian Whyte to do. He could go to Spain, for example, and isolate there for ten days, and then fly in on fight week.

“That’s what we’re putting into place at the moment. Small chance it could be pushed back (three) weeks to March 27, but that’s not the intention.

“It’s our intention to do everything we can to make sure March 6 stays intact.”

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Hearn previously mentioned moving the fight to Gibraltar, where Whyte would not be required to isolate, as Portugal is not on a travel ban.

The Brit 32, was brutally knocked out in round five against Povetkin, 41, in August at Hearn’s Matchroom HQ with the fight held in the back garden of his offices.

Whyte’s chances of being WBC mandatory for Tyson Fury’s crown went out the window and left him with a must-win rematch to keep his world title dreams alive.

Revenge will see him win back his right to challenge for Fury’s belt, which is set to be defended against Anthony Joshua in an undisputed title decider this year.