Dillian Whyte vs Oscar Rivas Odds & Pick
By John Dillon in Boxing
Updated: April 6, 2020 at 6:30 pm EDTPublished:
- Londoner seeks world heavyweight title shot
- Colombian challenger is undefeated
- Nine straight wins for Briton since Joshua setback
British heavyweight Dillian Whyte aims to stake his most serious claim yet for a world title challenge when he takes on Oscar Rivas in London on Saturday, July 20, 2019 live on DAZN in USA and Canada at 1:00 pm EST.
Whyte will become mandatory challenger for the WBC belt held by Deontay Wilder if he is successful at the Thames-side O2 Arena in his home town.
The Jamaican-born Londoner is rated as a -425 favorite to defeat unbeaten Colombian Rivas. His opponent is a +350 outsider.
Whyte vs Rivas Odds
| Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|
| Dillian Whyte | -425 |
| Oscar Rivas | +350 |
*Odds taken 07/17/19
A deserved world title challenge has eluded 31-year-old Whyte for the past two years even though he has proven his global credentials several times.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jssabs0ppBc
He has been ranked as number one challenger in the WBC rankings since November 2017 without ever being granted his big chance.
Chance to Challenge WBC Champion Wilder
Now the WBC have agreed to give him a shot at Wilder – but only after the American has first fought Luis Ortiz for a second time in November and staged a re-match against Tyson Fury next February. Whyte has been beaten just once in a 26-fight career and has landed 18 knockout wins.
IMPRESSIVE PEDIGREE! @PaulMalignaggi says you underestimate Oscar Rivas at your peril 💥😮 #WhyteRivas pic.twitter.com/sH36dCpuib
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) July 17, 2019
He succumbed to a seventh round set-back against Anthony Joshua in 2015 in the fight before his fellow Londoner stepped up to become the IBF world champion.
He has since compiled victories against Kiwi former WBO world champion Joseph Parker and Australia’s former WBA “Regular” world heavyweight title holder Lucas Browne.
But he gave the rising superstar a major scare in the second round.
He has since compiled a run of nine straight wins with victories against Kiwi former WBO world champion Joseph Parker and Australia’s former WBA “Regular” world heavyweight title holder Lucas Browne.
He has also twice defeated his great British rival Dereck Chisora in two thrilling and hard-fought encounters.
Canada-based Rivas, 32, has won all 26 of his contests and scored 18 knockouts.
Whyte vs Rivas Tale of the Tape
| 25 | Wins | 26 |
| 1 | Losses | 0 |
| 0 | Draws | 0 |
| 6’4” | Height | 6’0½″ |
| 78” | Reach | 76″ |
| 18 | KOs | 18 |
Victory Against Jennings
His most significant win came in his most recent fight in January when he scored a12th round knockout of former world title challenger Bryant Jennings in Verona, New York.
The Ring magazine rate Whyte the fifth best active heavyweight in the world. Rivas does not make their top 10.
WINNER FACES WILDER? @EddieHearn confirmed @DillianWhyte will become WBC mandatory if he beats Oscar Rivas and that fight could happen in May or June 2020 📅✅ pic.twitter.com/B8zEdXqJtw
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) July 17, 2019
ESPN also rate Whyte at number five with Rivas at number ten, who’s considered a dangerous test for the Englishman. However, so much is at stake for Whyte that he is highly unlikely to slip up.
In 2008, Rivas defeated current WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz junior in the qualifying tournament for the Beijing Olympics.
Dillian Whyte's last 10 fights https://t.co/g6HoQ2PDkR #WhyteRivas pic.twitter.com/Cw1XFB56F2
— British Boxing News 🇬🇧 (@BritishBoxNews) July 17, 2019
At those Games, he defeated the Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev who would go on to challenge for a professional world title in 2014.
Whyte has become a popular figure in Britain later in his career as his skill-set, punching power, fearless approach and genial character have carried him to the brink of world title honors.
He is a former European kick-boxing champion.
Since 2017, he has held the WBC Silver heavyweight title following his defeat of Robert Helenius.
Dillian Whyte has said 'heavyweight boxing is a joke.'
Full story: https://t.co/QzWh5IAEwF pic.twitter.com/MLzWJNgI7y
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 17, 2019
Interim Title on Line
He added the WBO International title with his unanimous points defeat of Parker last August.
The WBC interim heavyweight title will be on the line in London on Saturday.
Pick: Whyte (-425)
Sports Writer
John Dillon is a leading member of the UK's sporting media, having spent three decades as a national newspaper soccer and sports writer, broadcaster and author. He has covered five World Cups, six European Championships and was Chief Sports Writer at the Daily Express for 14 years.
