Dillian Whyte vs Oscar Rivas result: Whyte survives ninth-round knockdown to win brutal epic

Whyte has now secured a shot at a world title after 600 days as the No 1 contender and could fight Deontay Wilder or Tyson Fury next year

Dillian Whyte never does it the easy way and after hauling himself off the canvas he emerged victorious from a brutal slug fest against the belligerent Oscar Rivas, seizing the interim WBC interim world heavyweight title and the coveted mandatory status.

Whyte was dropped in the ninth round by a thudding left hook from the machine-like Colombian, but swerved any more danger to eventually earn a unanimous decision (115-112, 115-112, 116-111) on the cards.

Whyte has endured the frustration of more than 600 days as the No 1 contender for Deontay Wilder‘s belt but without the power to force the American to face him. Yet now he has the final road map towards a shot at the famous green and gold strap.

The Bronze Bomber will first fight Luis Ortiz this year before a highly-anticipated rematch against Tyson Fury, but no matter who emerges from that mini-gauntlet, Whyte will be granted his chance at some point in 2020.

After computing the Colombian’s blurring speed in the opener, the Brixton man swiftly shook off any nerves to spark pandemonium in the second.

Whyte buzzed Rivas and quickly seized on the opening after witnessing a belated bend in the Montreal resident’s back, with energy spreading like wildfire in the arena.

After being swarmed by the Body Snatcher in a furious 30-second burst, Rivas tucked up and showed Whyte his shell-like back to fend off the onslaught and escape from the round.

The frenetic start finally subsided momentarily in the fourth as Whyte began piercing his jab between and around Rivas’ wasp-coloured gloves: the perfect irritant to stem the enthusiasm of the swaggering challenger.

Despite Rivas compact stance, his jab extended far to ensure Whyte remained alert. But Rivas’ initial assaults presented openings, too, with the quick counters piling up and leaving him with a left eye that was ballooning more and more by the round. The damage sparked a torrent of abuse from Rivas’ trainer, who switched from Spanish to English to make sure the message resonated: “Are you f***ing serious!?”

It seemed to have the required effect as the seventh began, as Rivas stooped, whipping in body shots as Whyte sat back on the ropes.

A thudding left hook aside though, Whyte remained calm and collected on the outside, utilising his jab and displaying his well-rounded arsenal, delivered on the back foot. His trainer Mark Tibbs emphasised the effectiveness of the single jab, rather than doubling it up due to Whyte’s tendency to get lethargic when delivering the second shot and offering his opponent opportunities.

A sick grin from Whyte broke out in the eighth, demonstrating how much he was enjoying the gamble: the prospect of surrendering the prized position he has worked so diligently to secure almost four years on since being stopped by Anthony Joshua.

Whyte and Rivas trade shots (Action Images via Reuters)

But Rivas, who rallied late against Bryant Jennings to earn this opportunity here, dropped Whyte with a thudding left in the ninth to silence The O2. Whyte had momentarily switched off, crossing his legs to help his opponent send him on his way, but he caught himself on the ropes with the enormity of the occasion starting to dawn on him.

Rivas sensed his moment had arrived, but instinct kicked in for Whyte: A crisp left hook stunned Rivas, who sported a gaping mouth, partly from fatigue and partly down to his disbelief at his opponent’s resilience.

The explosion of action leaked into the 10th as both men gleefully accepted their invitations for the war to continue. Both landed simultaneously on the bell as the crowd roared on the Londoner.

Lost in the outrage at Whyte’s lack of a world title has been the affection that has grown for this versatile brawler. An atmosphere that resembled a football stadium throughout, Whyte has now become compelling, essential viewing and one of the most thrilling fighters on the planet.

A willingness to not only fight the dangerous Rivas, but engage with him throughout 12 brutal rounds may be deemed unwise, but Whyte continues to emerge from the wreckage and is now finally within reach of the prize he covets most.