Whyte to take on Rivas in July

Dillian Whyte finally has an opponent as he will face Oscar Rivas for the number one contender’s match for the WBC Heavyweight division at The O2 in London on Saturday, July 20 live on Sky Sports Box Office in an announcement Matchroom Boxing on made Saturday.

Whyte (25-1 18 KOs)currently holds the number one contender’s spot with the WBC and puts that on the line in a quest to cement his standing for a World title shot. in his last fight, he stopped Derek Chisora in their rematch in December in the 11th round. The 31-year-old will be looking for a tenth straight win against Rivas, as he has wins over Joseph Parker, Robert Helenius and Lucas Browne stacked between his two wins over Chisora.

“I am very happy to be fighting again at The O2 in July,” said Whyte in a press release. “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. 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.”

Rivas (26-0 18 KOs) is hard hitter from Columbia and into the bout on the back of the biggest win of his career. Rivas flew up to Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, NY in January and KO’d former World title challenger Bryant Jennings in the final round of their matchup. He currently is ranked at number ten with the WBC, seven in the IBF and a five with both the WBA and WBO heavyweight division.

‘‘I have waited for this opportunity for a very long time,” said Rivas in a press release. “Dillian Whyte is an excellent boxer, a World class fighter and the number one contender. He deserve all my respect for his accomplishments and I am grateful for the opportunity he is giving me.”

“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.”

“This is exactly the kind of challenge I was hoping to get. I am undefeated, I am planning to keep my perfect record after July 20 in my quest to get the ultimate opportunity to become World champion.”