By Charles Brun: Eddie Hearn says he wants to stage the Dillian Whyte vs. Alexander Povetkin rematch as early as November to schedule it ahead of the Tyson Fury vs. Deontay Wilder III fight in December.

Hearn is hoping that if Whyte (27-2, 18 KOs) defeats Povetkin (36-2-1, 25 KOs) in November, then he’ll “push” the WBC to have them order Fury vs. Dillian in early 2021, as they were planning on doing before.

Some boxing fans will see this desperate move by Hearn as an attempt by him to protect Anthony Joshua from Fury, who could spoil the party if he destroys him as he did to Wilder.

“We know if Dillian Whyte had won that fight, Tyson Fury would have been ordered to fight Dillian Whyte straightaway if he beats Deontay Wilder. That won’t happen now.

“The only thing now from Team Whyte and Team Povetkin’s side will be pushed is if that rematch takes place before Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury. Does the winner of that [Whyte-Povetkin 2] get ordered straightaway?