Dillian Whyte to fight unbeaten heavyweight Oscar Rivas on July 20 at the O2 Arena
DILLIAN WHYTE will face unbeaten Colombian Oscar Rivas on July 20 at the O2 Arena on his return to the ring.
The Brixton banger last fought when he knocked out Dereck Chisora with a vicious left-hook in December.
Whyte had rejected the opportunity to challenge for Anthony Joshua’s unified WBA, IBF and WBO world titles after the two rivals failed to agree terms.
It looked as though the 31-year-old was set to fight Dominic Breazeale in a WBC final eliminator for Deontay Wilder’s title.
However, after the rematch between Wilder and Tyson Fury failed to materialise Breazeale was awarded the next shot at the WBC champion from Alabama- leaving Whyte in limbo.
To stay busy Whyte now faces the 26-0 Rivas, who is fresh of a knockout victory over Bryant Jennings – while also owning a victory against Kubrat Pulev in the amateur ranks.
Whyte said: “Oscar Rivas is undefeated and ranked in the top 10 across the board of all the governing bodies. He has been one of the most avoided heavyweight fighters in the last few years.
“His KO victory over Bryant Jennings sent shockwaves through the division and Tyson Fury just turned down ESPN/Top Rank’s offer to fight him. I am over the moon that he has accepted the fight.
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“He has a great amateur and professional record, including a win over Kubrat Pulev.
“I am more than happy to carry on fighting top 10 fighters like Rivas until I get my well-earned shot at Deontay Wilder or Anthony Joshua.
“I can’t wait until July 20 to fight again at The O2 which is one of the best venues in the world for boxing.”