BEN Whittaker effectively silenced the critics who doubted him by stopping Liam Cameron in round two of their return fixture. Headlining at Birmingham’s Resorts World Arena, Whittaker produced an elaborate ringwalk routine full of confidence.
He carried that swagger into the first round, moving from side to side, prodding the left jab into Cameron’s face, causing some early nose damage.
Cameron was edging forward, but a momentary lapse in concentration from the Sheffield man opened the door for Whittaker, who landed a crunching right hand that had Cameron’s legs wobbling. He stumbled into the corner and shipped a few unanswered punches.
Some got through, others were blocked. Enough damage was being done to prompt referee Howard Foster’s intervention at 1-53 of the second round, set for 10. Whittaker’s emotions got the better of him as he ran to the opposite corner to taunt Cameron’s trainer, Grant Smith.
That moment was later analysed by the Sky team as new trainer Andy Lee protected his man from further criticism. The win was a clear indication of Whittaker’s potential and moves his career back on track after the controversy of their first fight in Riyadh.
Liam Cameron dropped to 23-7-1 (10 KOs), being stopped for the first time in his career. Whittaker, 9-0-1 (6 KOs), was flanked by promoter Ben Shalom, who believes big things are back on the agenda for his flagship star.
Sam Eggington’s incredible career rolls on after he defeated Lee Cutler by technical decision. Two of the judges totalled 87-85 while the third scored it 90-83 to the Stourbridge banger. Both men were cut in a messy affair.
Frazer Clarke showed that he has a bit left in the tank, bopping Ebenezer Tetteh in a round. The Ghanaian was dealt with accordingly, revitalising Clarke’s stuttering career. Six months after being bashed up by Fabio Wardley, he seems recovered and ready for another run at titles.
Tyler Denny returned to action with a 97-92 win over Elvis Ahorgah at middleweight. Denny scored a knockdown, which resulted in the extra point off.
On the preliminary portion of the card, Elliot Whale maintained his unbeaten record by defeating Lucas Ballingall 79-74 on referee Kevin Parker’s card. Troy Coleman battled back from a tough early start to topple Bradley Goldsmith in the seventh. Mark Jeffers needed just two rounds to blast through rotund Ricardo Lara in the show opener.
