Ben Whittaker is sent FLYING out the ring before judges call off fight and hand out rare decision ahead of Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol's title fight
- Ben Whittaker was handed a technical split-decision draw against Liam Cameron
- Whittaker was bundled out of the ring in the fifth round of the fight on Saturday
- He has been dubbed as one of the biggest up and coming stars in the sport
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Before his bout with Liam Cameron, Andy Lee hailed Ben Whittaker as 'the future of boxing,' and for good reason. Yet, October 12 didn't turn out to be the night Whittaker had envisioned.
In a bizarre turn of events, Whittaker was forced to settle for a technical split-decision draw after sustaining an injury that prevented him from continuing. The injury occurred when both fighters tumbled out of the ring during the fifth round.
The judges delivered a rare set of scores: 58-57 for Whittaker, 58-57 for Cameron, and 58-58, resulting in a draw. Cameron was visibly frustrated by the decision, while Whittaker had to be wheeled back to the dressing room due to his injury.
From the opening bell, Whittaker seemed in control, showcasing his trademark speed, footwork, and technical precision. His reach and movement kept Cameron at a distance, making it seem like Whittaker was well on his way to a victory. However, his momentum began to fade as the rounds progressed.
As the fight wore on, Whittaker appeared increasingly tense, losing the fluidity and confidence that often define his performances. Instead of his usual flair and showmanship, he absorbed considerable punishment from Cameron, especially leading into the pivotal fifth round.
Ben Whittaker was handed a split-decision draw against Liam Cameron on Saturday night
With around 10 seconds remaining in the fifth, Whittaker found himself trapped against the ropes, forced into a clinch with Cameron
As Cameron pushed forward, both men suddenly tumbled over the top rope, landing hard outside the ring
Cameron quickly returned to his feet, visibly eager to continue the fight. His corner accused Whittaker of exaggerating his injury, urging the referee to resume the bout
With around 10 seconds remaining in the fifth, Whittaker found himself trapped against the ropes, forced into a clinch with Cameron.
As Cameron pushed forward, both men suddenly tumbled over the top rope, landing hard outside the ring. Cameron ended up on top of Whittaker as they lay on the edge of the canvas, prompting an immediate response from medical staff.
Cameron quickly returned to his feet, visibly eager to continue the fight. His corner accused Whittaker of exaggerating his injury, urging the referee to resume the bout.
However, Whittaker was clearly in distress, complaining of severe pain in his foot. He was helped to his stool, where medics removed his boot and ultimately sent him for an x-ray.
Whittaker was clearly in distress, complaining of severe pain in his foot. He was helped to his stool, where medics removed his boot and ultimately sent him for an x-ray
Whittaker was seen leaving the ring in a wheelchair and exited the venue fairly quickly
Cameron was frustrated after the fight. Speaking to DAZN in the changing room he said: 'He didn't want no more. He were very tired. He give me his last 30 seconds. He had nothing left. Kid was knackered from round two. But look, I definitely beat him.
'I don't get a fair share. I got a split decision lost in the last fight. I just had a draw this one. What more do I have to do? I've never had a promotional deal in my life, and I tried to do best today to get that win, and I thought I fully deserved it.
'Yeah [Whittaker wanted a way out], you could see it on camera. I don't want to be critical to him, because no one gave me a chance. No one. It wasn't the Liam Cameron show, I didn't have no cameras on me, following me, just my small team.'
