Whittaker survives late scare to hold on for points win
British boxer Ben Whittaker maintained his unbeaten record with a points victory over Conor Wallace in Birmingham. Despite a late rally from Wallace, Whittaker secured his position as the mandatory challenger for the IBF world title.
Why it matters
This victory advances Whittaker's career trajectory toward a world-title fight, impacting the light-heavyweight division rankings.
British light-heavyweight Ben Whittaker survived a dramatic late onslaught from Conor Wallace to move a step closer to a world-title shot with a points victory in Birmingham.
The 29-year-old controlled much of the contest with his trademark showboating and superior boxing skill at the Utilita Arena before Wallace came roaring back in the championship rounds.
The Northern Irishman rocked Whittaker in the 10th and came close to a remarkable turnaround in the 12th, with the home fighter forced to hold on until the final bell.
The judges scored it 117-111, 116-112 and 115-113 as Whittaker became mandatory challenger for the IBF world title.
"It was too easy and I took my eye off the ball a little bit. He caught me with a good shot but that's boxing," Whittaker said.
"When it got a bit too easy I was playing too much and doing silly antics."
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