Dillian Whyte vs Alexander Povetkin postponed for second time with fight set to take place in Eddie Hearn’s garden

Promoter plans to stage a four-week ‘Fight Camp’ in the grounds of his Essex property that will culminate with the heavyweight showdown

Dillian Whyte’s heavyweight showdown with Alexander Povetkin has been abandoned for a second time, with the bout now set to be moved from Manchester to Eddie Hearn’s proposed ‘Fight Camp’ in an effort to salvage the contest this summer.

Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing promotion confirmed that the rescheduled 4 July bout at Manchester Arena has been cancelled, while two other events have been postponed, due to the coronavirus outbreak and the ongoing suspension on boxing in Britain.

British heavyweight contender Whyte was initially slated to face former title challenger Povetkin on 2 May, only for the bout to be postponed in March upon Matchroom’s decision to suspend all upcoming events.

The fight was rearranged for the 4 July and due to take place in Manchester, but with the British Boxing Board of Control not yet giving the green light for boxer’s to return to full training, a decision has been taken to call off the fight for a second time.

However, Hearn is understood to be planning to end his makeshift ‘Fight Camp’ with the bout, which will take place in a bio-secure environment located in the back garden of his Essex home.

It’s understood that the fight will now take place in mid-August, and Whyte - who is maintaining his fitness in Portugal - is open to the bout taking place behind closed doors on Hearn’s property.

On top of the 4 July card, Matchroom have also moved their upcoming Newcastle and Cardiff events to October, with Lee Selby and Lewis Ritson still set to feature respectively.

Matchroom said in a statement: "Matchroom Boxing have taken the decision to reschedule their events due to take place in Newcastle on Saturday 27 June and Cardiff on Saturday 11 July, while the event taking place at Manchester Arena on Saturday 4 July has been cancelled.

"Subject to the developing situation, Lee Selby's IBF lightweight world title final eliminator against George Kambosos Jr at the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff has been rescheduled to Saturday 3 October.

"Lewis Ritson's clash with former world champion Miguel Vazquez at the Utilita Arena Newcastle has been rescheduled to Saturday 17 October."

A return to non-sparring training was permitted earlier this week for professionals and elite amateurs, although boxing remains a long way off due to the government’s current position on sporting events.