Alexander Povetkin feels like he’s 25 headed into Dillian Whyte rematch

Heavyweight Alexander Povetkin is 42 years old but insists that he feels like a younger man headed into his rematch with Dillian Whyte. 

Alexander Povetkin is a 42-year-old boxing heavyweight and reportedly struggled with COVID-19, but he insists that he feels like a younger man headed into his Saturday, March 27 rematch with Dillian Whyte.

Povetkin (36-2-1, 25 KOs) nearly lost to Whyte back in August in Whyte’s home country of England. Povetkin was knocked down twice in round 4 and barely made it out of the round. However, Povetkin is a skilled veteran and former Olympic gold medalist from Russia and found an opening in round 5 and knocked Whyte out with an incredible uppercut.

The two were supposed to meet again quickly, but Povetkin contracted COVID-19, which caused the fight to be rescheduled twice. According to DAZN, Povetkin was hospitalized twice. Povetkin told the media during a recent press call that he doesn’t think his past illness will impact his performance against Whyte at Europa Sports Park in Gibraltar.

“I don’t feel any effects of coronavirus,” Povetkin told the media through an interpreter. “I’m training well. The camp was good, so I didn’t think about that at all.”

Alexander Povetkin owns a KO win over Dillian Whyte and feels energetic days before their rematch.

Whyte (27-2, 18 KOs) only has two losses, including his previous knockout against Povetkin. He’s got all the physical advantages over Povetkin. He has a height and reach advantage and is 10 years younger than Povetkin. Age looked like it might play a factor in their first fight, but Povetkin defied the odds utilizing his skills, wisdom, and brutal power.

Even though he’s old for a boxer, Povetkin feels much younger than what’s listed on his birth certificate.

“I’m feeling like I’m 25 years old,” Povetkin told FanSided during the media call. “I can’t say age influences my body.”

Povetkin certainly doesn’t look like he’s 42. His face is youthful without a wrinkle, and his physique appears svelt and ready for battle.

Despite Povetkin’s words and past performance, Whyte feels like he will be the victor the second time around.

“This time, I’ll beat him, and we’ll see what people are going to say,” said Whyte in a Matchroom press release. “One, two, or three losses means nothing to a Heavyweight nowadays. If you fight good fighters, the main thing is you can come back. This is a must-win fight for me, but I’m not a guy that worries about pressure. I just smile and take it in my stride.”

Their first fight was brief but explosive. Expect fireworks in the rematch as well.

Watch Alexander Povetkin vs. Dillian Whyte on Saturday, March 27, only on DAZN. Coverage begins at 2 p.m. ET.