Dillian Whyte warned he is taking a major risk in taking on undefeated Oscar Rivas

Dillian Whyte has been warned he is taking a risk in facing Oscar Rivas at the O2 Arena on Saturday.

The London fighter could become the obligatory WBC challenger if he beats the Colombian, but defeat would see him tumble down the heavyweight pecking order.

And Carl Froch warned: “It’s a risky fight. Rivas looks good. He’s 26-0, with 18 stoppages. He’s certainly capable and he’s impressed recently.

"I think Whyte can do the business and win this in a slug fest, but Rivas is unbeaten and he’s dangerous.”

Froch’s warning was echoed by Tony Bellew, who said: “It’s a big risk but he should have enough.”

Whyte boasts 25 wins from 26 fights, his sole defeat dating back to 2015 against Anthony Joshua at the same venue.

Leading up to the fight, the Brixton-based boxer vented his frustration about failing to set up a showdown with the likes of Joshua and the other big names of the heavyweight division.

“It could be such a good era,” he said. “We can all fight one another three or four times but these guys worry about losing, so it’s a bit silly. We should fight now.”