MICHAE HUNTER has backed old opponent Alexander Povetkin to KO Dillian Whyte.
Hunter, 32, was unfortunate not to walk away with a decision victory against the Russian, 40, in their December draw.
Povetkin has now gone on to secure himself a pay-per-view headliner against Whyte this weekend.
And the former world champion has been tipped to emerge victorious in the back garden of Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom HQ.
Hunter told Sky Sports: “I think Dillian Whyte is going to have some trouble dealing with him.
“I think Dillian Whyte is going to lose. I think Dillian Whyte is going to take an L.
“Povetkin will be there to get him. The fight will be at a decent pace.
“I think it’s going to be an interesting fight to see, because the pace is going to be very similar, so I’m probably going to lean towards Povetkin.
“I think it’s [knockout win for Povetkin] very possible.
“The percentage is high and that’s why I think this is a good fight, because people want to see explosions and I think they’re going to get it here, even if it’s for two minutes, or it might be for the whole fight.
“We’re looking for big punches thrown and I think that’s what the fans are excited to see.”
A win over Povetkin sets up Whyte with a shot at the WBC title, which Tyson Fury, 31, defends against Deontay Wilder, 34, in his next fight.
But the mandatory challenger insisted he will not be drawn into overlooking the final hurdle that awaits him.
Whyte said: “I’m fighting someone who’s been consistent for a long time so I’m not worried about Fury or Wilder, I’m worried about what Povetkin is doing on Saturday night.
“He’s probably the most technical fighter I’ve fought – he’s fought a lot of top guys.
“Whichever way it goes I’m ready. I take my defensive duties properly, I can war, I can box and at times in the fight I’ll need to change what I’m doing.”
