Ben Whittaker at a press conference at Glaziers Hall, London. Image date: Thursday February 13, 2025. (Photo by Zac Goodwin / PA Images via Getty Images)
(Zac Goodwin – PA Images via Getty Images)
Ben Whittaker does not comply with the image expected by his detractors.
The charismatic – some will say, arrogant – the light heavyweights swear that he has made the necessary changes to this stage of his professional career. A small part of these changes, however, can be contributed to its previous release, A technical draw with Liam Cameron Last October in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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Whittaker has closed its doors -2000 favorite on betmgm lines That night, but he was not in the ring when the decision was announced – or even at the end of the fight.
The conclusion of their wild affair saw the two fighters fall on the top of the ring after Cameron relied on Whittaker while the strings at the end of the fifth round. Cameron de Sheffield landed on Whittaker, who then complained of a leg injury. He was escorted by wheelchair to his locker room, while the cards were announced and led to his first career.
It was not a loss, despite the arguments of those who estimated that Cameron had been conducted after a surprisingly competitive competition.
Any proof that Whittaker can offer a new improved version of itself will come in their revenge, he promised. The two go back on Easter Sunday in front of a cooperative almost on the goings closed live in Manchester, England. Everything fans have chosen to ride with him will be adjusted, the 2020 Olympic silver medalist assured.
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As for all the others who have turned their back on their career prospects?
“All those who have been on this side remain on this side,” whispered to his opponents.
Facing criticism is hardly a new development for the native of West Bromwich, 27 years old.
The staging has always been part of Whittaker's game, going back to his amateur career. With this came from severe comments, some going so far as to suggest that he is not serious about his job given his antics in the ring, which are considered to be quality entertainment or disrespectful showboating, from the point of view.
The best proof of the Win-Or-Home state of mind of Whittaker has come from its highest boxing to date.
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The silky boxer qualified for the gold medal of the Tokyo delayed Olympic Games in 2020, proudly representing Great Britain. There was even meaning in each victory that he could have made things easier with a more determined effort.
However, he was later learned that he fought through a three-year-old torn knife cuff in his left shoulder which almost cost him a place on the Great Britain team.
There is the argument that the injury cost him a gold medal because he lost a decision with Arlen Lopez de Cuba during the light support final. It was still a hell of a race by a 24 -year -old whittaker, who ousted a pair of Olympians twice and strongly favored Imam Khataev.
Whittaker was one of the six boxers of Great Britain at the medal, at best at the Tokyo Olympic Games. With regard to in question, however, it was still only a second place.
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“You don't make money, you lose gold,” said Whittaker at the time, after refusing to wear his silver medal during the award ceremony. “I am very disappointed – I feel like a failure.
“I will come back, believe me.”
Ben Whittaker and Imam Khataev after the fight of the light heavy semi-final of their man during the Tokyo 2020 summer Olympic Games (Brendan Moran / Sportsfile via Getty Images)
(Brendan Moran via Getty Images)
Almost a year later, Whittaker launched his professional trip. His shoulder surgery went well enough to put it in full health, but still caused a longer delay than favorite of his last amateur fight.
From its professional beginnings from July 2022 to the present day, Whittaker – once a grass rapper who went by B £ Nzo – has served as a polarizing figure. He was also a notation magnet.
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A strong coil, with his “drunken master”, of his ko of Khalid Graidia -a 10-13-5 fighter at the time – generated more than 5 million views in shared clips By the promoter Boxxer and Sky Sports, which will broadcast the revenge match of this weekend with Cameron.
His eight -point victory over Leon Willings last Sunday of Easter was Paid more than 5.6 million viewers on the Sky Sports YouTube channel. Additional 5.3 million looked at The replay of his first almost Disasat fight with Cameronwhich left its record at 8-0-1 (5 KB).
Additional attention was paid to the accumulation of the second act. A large part was derived from the controversy during the laps planned for the fight – Cameron was led to believe that it was 12 laps, while Boxxer and the British Boxing Board of Control insisted that it was 10.
The case was finally resolved, Cameron being compensated financially for the disadvantages. Whittaker has decided to have fun with the problem, however.
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“Last night, I was told that it was eight laps,” joked Whittaker to welcome Andy Scott at the Friday's press conference. “I thought it was an eight round.”
His humor should not be supposed as a lack of preparation. This will simply not fly with Andy Lee, the former WBO middle weight champion who has taken over the reins as a light truck in light heavyweight.
Whittaker himself considered this decision as a necessity, but not entirely because of his last performance. Something was missing, a vacuum quickly filled by Lee.
“First of all, we are in Ireland,” noted Whittaker from training far from home and free ourselves from any potential distraction. “We had structure. It was a big camp. I take things, I learn things. He is a great person with whom to be.
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“It is funny that people think that we started working together that when we have announced it. We have been together for a long time. We announced it when we announced it, but we were in the gymnasium together, went back and forth in Ireland.”
Ben Whittaker (right) was surprisingly fought with Liam Cameron before their October fight ended with a premature draw. (Reuters / Hamad I Mohammed)
(Reuters / Reuters)
The promise was a more disciplined performance this weekend. This should not be interpreted as a transition to traditional boxing, as opposed to the usual pleasure appreciated by Whittaker both in and out of the ring.
What he has Concédé was the version of Whittaker who arrived to fight Cameron last October was threatened to undergo his first career defeat. This does not make this night of awakening, however; On the contrary, a missed opportunity from the opponent he soon faced for the second time in seven months.
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“I think it was the best chance to get me and he didn't do it,” said Whittaker. “Now on Sunday, everything is fresh. Everything is new.”
But what about the lesson he learned of this night?
“I look good, even on the ground,” joked Whittaker.
This answer – or any other he had to offer – was not what his familiar enemy wanted to hear.
“It is beyond the lack of respect at this stage,” said Cameron about the Whittaker summary of their first fight. “What do you know?” Can he win the best man. I did my training. He had six weeks with Andy Lee. That the best man wins. “
Whittaker has only slightly changed his air, just enough to remind Cameron how serious it is to get your hands on this time.
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There is a Win-Or-Go-Home state of mind, but not because Whittaker thinks that the outcome of the first fight lowered its ceiling. Simply, because there has always been a faction of this sport which makes no other reason than for the hope that it will be the night when they will see Whittaker fail.
“For me, I think each fight, my career has been at stake,” said Whittaker. “I can't say:” Oh, because it's Liam Cameron number two, my career is at stake. “Being the person I am, I am the chef Honcho.
“He wants more, he is hungry. He has tasted it now, but I have to remove this food from the plate.”
The confident brit has promised to do so in its usual style of entertainment and entirely according to its conditions.
“It is not necessary to (deliver) – I will do it,” promised Whittaker. “I have nothing against Liam. It's just another fight. I am happy with regard to his career.
“Unfortunately, it ends on Sunday.”
