British heavyweight Dillian Whyte says Oscar Rivas cannot be overlooked as he prepares to meet him at London’s 02 Arena on Saturday.
The 31-year-old is looking to move closer to a world title fight, having waited two years for his opportunity at the top level. Whyte is ranked as number one by the WBC, but he has yet to get the chance to fight champion Deontay Wilder.
Future fights against Tyson Fury, Wilder and Anthony Joshua are all in the pipeline, but Whyte admits Saturday’s bout is a real challenge. Since losing to Joshua in 2015, Whyte has won nine fights in a row, but Rivas could pose his toughest challenger.
The Colombian has won all 26 of his fights so far and he claims he will adjust and find a way to get past his next opponent. He told 5 Live Boxing: “Rivas is undefeated, experienced and has that ignorance and arrogance of never having lost before.
“He’s never had to hang his head in shame, so he’s dangerous. He oozes confidence and strength. I have been around the block and know how to deal with these guys now. “I still have a lot of learning to do but instinctively I sort of know how to adjust in fights.”
Whyte remains the heavy favourite at odds of 1.20, while Rivas is a 4.75 outsider. Promoter Eddie Hearn has claimed the fight will not go the distance and Whyte is 2.50 to win the fight via KO, TKO or disqualification.
Saturday’s card promises to be an explosive night of boxing, with Dave Allen, David Price, Derek Chisora and Lawrence Okolie also fighting.
