Ben Whittaker endured a punishing final frame to capture a unanimous decision against Conor Wallace and secure the IBF light-heavyweight number one spot.
The Birmingham contender appeared in control for most of the bout, employing his characteristic movement and flair against a significant underdog who stepped through the ropes.
As the championship rounds approached, Whittaker began absorbing more damage, and Wallace seized the initiative, leading to a tense finish where the favorite clutched at every opportunity, frequently collapsing to the canvas while fighting to hold on.
Despite those dramatic final minutes, Whittaker looked distinctly superior in the opening stages. The immediate question for fans and analysts is whether he is ready to face stronger opposition.
“In that last round, he was completely gone. Absolutely way out at sea. Holding on for dear life. Maybe there is a little bit of inexperience as a pro … He went down a couple of times – I was really surprised that the referee didn’t actually score it a knockdown.
“Sometimes fighters are in cruise control and you want them to go through the gears, just change it up, bring intensity with a second and third wave. Whittaker didn’t do that tonight, and I don’t think it’s because he was worried about Conor Wallace … Wallace can’t match Whittaker for hand speed, but what he was doing though was punching with him.”
Groves went on to identify the key issues raised by the performance.
“There are some major question marks now. You’re going to question his conditioning, stamina, and endurance. Are those flashy moves taking a little bit out of him when really they should be taking nothing out of him? Is his punch resistance not what it needs to be at that top level? If you do catch him, will he unravel quite quickly?”
“I like Ben Whittaker. I like the way he shapes up, the style. The knockout wins of late – are they a tiny bit generous in what they now spell? Maybe he’s not the murderous puncher that the record suggests … There’s still more to come and we’re fascinated.”
Promoter Eddie Hearn did not rule out a rematch, with both Whittaker and Wallace expressing interest in an immediate follow-up.
