Whittaker survives late scare to hold on for points win in Birmingham
British boxer Ben Whittaker edged out Conor Wallace on points in Birmingham, becoming mandatory challenger for the IBF world light-heavyweight title despite a dangerous late comeback from his opponent.
Ben Whittaker survived a nerve-wracking finish to claim a points victory over Conor Wallace at Birmingham's Utilita Arena, moving a significant step closer to a world-title opportunity.
For most of the 12-round contest, the 29-year-old Englishman relied on his superior technical skill and trademark showboating to control proceedings. However, the Northern Irishman staged a dramatic late rally, rocking Whittaker in the 10th round and continuing to press in the 12th, forcing the home fighter into survival mode until the final bell.
All three judges favoured Whittaker, scoring the bout 117-111, 116-112 and 115-113. Afterward, Whittaker admitted he had grown overconfident and let his focus slip once the fight seemed comfortably in hand.
The win extended Whittaker's unbeaten professional record to 13 victories and one draw, and confirmed his status as mandatory challenger for IBF champion Dmitry Bivol, who also holds the WBA 'super' and WBO belts. Bivol is expected to face Liverpool's Callum Smith in December. Wallace, now 30, suffered only his second defeat in 19 professional bouts and immediately called for a rematch, which Whittaker indicated he would be open to.
Around 5,000 fans attended the event, giving Whittaker a mixed reception of cheers and jeers despite his roots in nearby West Bromwich. Former UFC champion Leon Edwards was among the spectators.
On a strong supporting card, British titles were claimed by Hamza Uddin and Bilal Fawaz, with Fawaz stopping his opponent in the eighth round to retain his British and Commonwealth light-middleweight titles.
