In the realm of professional boxing, Dillian Whyte is poised for a return to the ring following an investigation that cleared his name from a positive drug test. The test result had previously led to the cancellation of his anticipated bout with Anthony Joshua in August 2023. The issue was traced back to contaminated supplements. Now, Whyte is gearing up to face Christian Hammer, a Romanian-German boxer with a solid track record, including holding the title of WBO European heavyweight champion three times. Hammer, 36, boasts a professional record of 27 wins and 10 losses, having faced renowned fighters such as Tyson Fury, Alexander Povetkin, and Luis Ortiz.
Whyte himself is no stranger to holding titles, as the former WBC interim heavyweight champion. His last match saw him secure a majority decision victory over Jermaine Franklin. However, his journey has not been without setbacks, as he experienced a defeat by Tyson Fury, who claimed victory with a sixth-round TKO. As Whyte prepares for his comeback, the boxing community watches with anticipation.
The stage is set for Whyte’s comeback fight against Hammer to headline the boxing event dubbed ‘Once Upon a Time in the West.’ This event is marked for St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, and will unfold at the TF Royal Hotel and Theatre in Castlebar, Ireland. The Boxing Union of Ireland has sanctioned the main event, with Michael Ofo’s Platform Sports taking the helm in promotion. The event kicks off at 5:30 PM GMT, with the main event fighters expected to make their walkout at 9 PM GMT.
The fight card for the evening is packed with promising matchups. Notably, Ray Moylette, a former European gold medalist hailing from Castlebar, will enter the ring for his final professional fight against Jake Tinklin. The event will also showcase talents like Spike O’Sullivan and Thomas Carty. In total, the event will feature seven professional boxing matches, with the lineup subject to changes. The full card includes heavyweight bouts with Whyte vs. Hammer as the main event, super lightweight and middleweight matches, and more.
As the boxing community gears up for this event, the details surrounding the broadcast or TV channel remain unannounced. Fans and enthusiasts eagerly await further announcements, hoping to witness these matchups, which promise to deliver a thrilling experience. The event is not just a platform for Whyte’s return but also a showcase of boxing talent, with fighters at various stages of their careers looking to make their mark or bid farewell in the squared circle.