Whyte vs Rivas

Mandatory WBC Challenger: WBC heavyweight elimination bout for the number one position and a mandatory title shot with Deontay Wilder.

On the canvas: Whyte down in ninth round.

Solid Top 10 Heavyweights
Whyte entered the bout ranked No. 1 in the division by the WBC and 3 by the WBA and WBO; Rivas is ranked Nos. 5, 8, 10 and 7 by the WBO, IBF, WBC and WBA respectively.

Why Winner Can't be Ignored
Given their already-high rankings, the winner of this fight likely became the top contender for at least two sanctioning bodies, and should secure a title shot by the end of 2019 or in 2020.

On a Roll
Since being stopped by Anthony Joshua in 2015, Whyte iwas 9-0, 6 KO. And Rivas had stopped 12 of his last 15 opponents inside the distance.

Quality of Opposition Favors the Brit
Whyte entered this fight having already fought Anthony Joshua (Lost - TKO 7, 2015), Dereck Chisora (twice), Lucas Browne, Robert Helenius and Joseph Parker. Rivas had wins over Bryant Jennings*and Fabio Maldonado (then 26-0)

Don't Overlook Activity Rate
This bout served as Oscar's 7th in 22 months.Timing and cardio shouldn't be a problem.

Big Challenge
Can Dillian Whyte defeat a hungry, well-schooled undefeated heavyweight who could be in his prime? He looked great against against then-unbeaten but technically-challenged Lucas Browne in 2018. And, of course, he KO'd a tough and rugged but arguably shopwarn Dereck Chisora in his most recent bout.

Does Team Rivas See a Few Chinks in Whyte's Armour?
Against Chisora in their rematch in December 2018, two judges had Dereck ahead of Whyte 95-94 at the time of the 11th Round stoppage.

Does Team Whyte See a Few Chinks in Oscar's Armour?
Oscar's most recent bout against Bryant Jennings was up for grabs on the cards heading into Round 12.  Rivas would score the TKO early in that stanza.

Overlooking Rivas?
Dillian has done a lot of trash-talking recently about prospective opponents Wilder, Fury and Joshua. Is he overlooking the task at-hand?

Will Winner Be Considered One of the Division's Powerbrokers?
An impressive win would elevate the winner's stock - But would it be enough for him to be mentioned along with Deontay Wilder, Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz?

Odds narrowed a bit in July with money coming in on Rivas. Whyte still entered as the considerable favorite.

Dillian Whyte - 1/4
Oscar Rivas - 10/2
Draw - 25/1 

Promoter: Matchroom Boxing - Eddie Hearn