Will the WBC Step In To Reschedule Dillian Whyte v Otto Wallin?
News has come down that WBC “interim” world heavyweight champion Dillian Whyte (28-2, 19 KOs) has withdrawn from his October 30th contest against Otto Wallin (22-1, 14 KOs) due to a shoulder injury.
It’s an interesting dilemma and proposition for Whyte. Before his scheduled bout against Wallin, the WBC ruled that winner of Tyson Fury – Deontay Wilder III would have 30 days to agree to a fight with the current unified IBF/WBA “super”/WBO world heavyweight champ, Oleksandr Usyk.
But former unified heavyweight titleholder Anthony Joshua has exercised his rematch clause with Usyk. So, that leaves Fury in search of an opponent. With Whyte dropping out of the bout with Wallin, is the door now open for Whyte to fight Fury?
WHAT COULD THIS LEAD TO FOR WHYTE
Boxing fans and pundits are fully aware of the saga between Whyte and the WBC. The 33-year-old has been the WBC mandatory heavyweight challenger for years but has been frustrated by his inability to fight for the WBC heavyweight title. Oddly enough, a window could lead to the opportunity he’s so long wanted.
NOT SO FAST
For Team Wallin, they intend to make sure a fight against Whyte still takes place. Wallin’s promoter, Dmitry Salita, gave his take during an interview with Sky Sports.
“If it is an injury, then he should heal, and they should reschedule this event. That would be the fair thing to do… It would not be fair to the sport of boxing for Dillian Whyte to have an injury, whatever it is, and as a result of that, to be able to be mandated to fight Fury.
The fight has to be rescheduled for a later date and the winner of that fight should fight Tyson Fury. Anything else would be unfair to the sport of boxing, and unfair to Otto Wallin. We’re definitely going to petition the WBC to make a decision. That’s what should be decided – the winner of Whyte-Wallin fights Tyson Fury.”
WHAT WILL THE WBC DO?
Here’s the question. Let’s just say the WBC goes ahead and mandates that Fury must next fight Whyte. What could Wallin’s camp do to prevent it? Sure, they could petition the WBC but do they have the real power or sway to cause the WBC to change their decision?
Plus, Whyte holds the bargaining chip that is the WBC “interim” belt. What prevents him and promoter Eddie Hearn from going to the WBC and now demanding a fight with Fury? It would be hard luck for Otto Wallin. However, this is boxing, a sport where fairness does not always come into play.
A lot of this is speculation. There’s been no word on if, or when, the match will be rescheduled. But do not be surprised if Whyte-Wallin ultimately does not happen with Team Whyte deciding to force the WBC’s hand when it comes to Tyson Fury. If that is the case, sum it up to the cold-hearted business of boxing.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
