Dillian Whyte can win the WBC interim world heavyweight title on Saturday
BY RICHARD CAWLEY
Dillian Whyte will be the WBC interim world heavyweight champion if he beats Oscar Rivas on Saturday night.
The Mexican-based governing body have also confirmed that the winner of the belt will be mandatory challenger for WBC world champion Deontay Wilder.
Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, who has worked with Whyte for a number of years, said: “I’m very happy that we have reached an agreement with the WBC and this makes Saturday night even more important.
“Dillian Whyte has faced all comers in reaching his WBC number one position and now he stands just one more test away from a shot at the WBC world title – it’s all on the line this Saturday at The O2.”
The WBC rules state the following: “In special circumstances, including when the WBC in its sole discretion declares a WBC champion temporarily unavailable to defend his title, the WBC may sanction a bout between qualified challengers for an interim championship, or otherwise recognise an interim champion in the division.
“For the avoidance of doubt, a WBC interim world championship shall be considered a true WBC world title for all purposes, other than with respect to a bout versus the actual world champion, absent any order to the contrary from the WBC in its sole discretion.”
Whyte has been chasing Wilder for almost two years but the American has until May of next year until he has to fulfil his mandatory obligation.
He is due to fight Luis Ortiz for a second time in November and then rematch Tyson Fury in the early part of 2020.
PICTURE BY MARK ROBINSON/MATCHROOM BOXING