Ben Whittaker Ends Partnership with BOXXER
Ben Whittaker has officially ended his partnership with BOXXER’s Ben Shalom following his recent victory over Liam Cameron, a move that has sent ripples through the boxing community. The light heavyweight star, who made headlines in October with the announcement of his new multi-year deal with Matchroom Boxing, had previously been a standout in Shalom’s stable.
BOXXER, which signed the Olympic silver medalist before he turned professional in 2022, faced challenges after Sky Sports chose not to extend its lucrative broadcasting agreement with the promoter back in June, leading Whittaker to reassess his career path.
Reflections on His Time with Shalom
Reflecting on his time with Shalom in an interview on Uncrowned’s “The Ariel Helwani Show,” Whittaker expressed appreciation for his former promoter, saying,
“For me, never a bad word about him.”
He recognized Shalom’s youth and successes in the boxing world, but hinted that Shalom’s overly honest approach sometimes hindered their ability to reach the next level in competition.
“He just couldn’t take me to the next level, and that’s where Eddie Hearn can,”
Whittaker remarked, highlighting Matchroom’s proven track record in developing fighters into champions.
Strategic Move to Matchroom
Whittaker’s decision to join Matchroom was influenced by the organization’s experience and connections to secure the right fights at the right times.
“They know how to route a fighter well,”
he noted. The partnership appears to be a strategic move intended to enhance his career, especially with immediate plans to contend for the WBC silver light heavyweight championship against Benjamin Gavazi in Birmingham, England. This bout is the first of four scheduled fights for Whittaker in the coming 14 months, a plan aimed at revitalizing his career after injuries and setbacks.
Overcoming Challenges and Criticism
The young contender has had a tumultuous year, facing criticism after a controversial technical draw with Liam Cameron in October. Whittaker, known for his charismatic and flashy style that garnered a significant following on social media, found himself under fire after the bout, particularly when he fell out of the ring and could not continue fighting.
“I learned a lot, really — more about life,”
he reflected on the incident, emphasizing the rapid shifts from stardom to scrutiny that can occur in sports.
New Focus and Training
Determined to bounce back, he credited a newfound focus on hard work and a fresh perspective on life lessons that came from his experience in the ring. Whittaker has also recently partnered with renowned trainer Andy Lee, who has worked with other prominent fighters. The relationship appears to be beneficial, marked by an immediate impact noted during his recent rematch against Cameron, which he won decisively in the second round.
“He said, ‘Don’t lose that (flair) at all.’ But we’ve been drilling the basics, day in, day out. The basics can take you around the world,”
Whittaker explained, indicating a blend of showmanship with solid boxing fundamentals. His unique style has drawn comparisons to the renowned “Prince” Naseem Hamed, yet he acknowledges that British fans may not be as receptive to such flamboyance as American audiences.
Aspirations for the Future
Still, Whittaker’s popularity continues to soar, with aspirations of headlining major boxing events. As he charts his path following the twilight of established stars like Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, Whittaker is focused on making a name for himself.
“I’m in a great position where… there’s no one else really there that can fill the gap, I don’t think so. If I do things right, keep winning and performing, I can be that next person,”
he confidently stated, signaling his intent to ascend to the pinnacle of British boxing.
