As I have previously commented on the subject about the Covid-19 effect, we are not sure, but this time it was evident that Povetkin was negatively affected.
If my memory serves me right, the last high profile fight we have seen with one boxer infected by the virus, recovered and push the fight is Miguel Berchelt. He also lost in this fight and something is odd with him that night as was really off, below average punches and then the eventual knock out from Oscar Valdez.
Povetkin might retire soon, he looks so old in this fight and it seems like he easily get tired.
Well, the favorite to win was Whyte so its expected but probably the virus still affected him especially his stamina in the fight.
I thought Povetkin would at least give a good fight, but it turns out the first fight was way better than this fight.