FORMER Commonwealth champion Liam Cameron claims that he is none the wiser following a lengthy row that could perhaps best be described as ‘rounds gate.’
His eagerly awaited rematch with Ben Whittaker, though originally scheduled for 12 rounds, has now been changed to a 10-round contest according to Boxxer promoter Ben Shalom.
The ‘Cannonball,’ however, seemingly remains convinced that he is gearing up for a longer distance at the Resorts World Arena in Birmingham, England, this Sunday.
“Boxxer have my terms to accept to change the fight to 10 rounds,” the 34-year-old wrote on his Instagram story earlier today.
“But they [Boxxer] are refusing to send me a contract to vary the deal and are trying to suggest they can change the rounds without a contract.”
“Going into fight week not knowing how many rounds I’m fighting is a joke for me and my opponent. As I post this it’s still a 12-round fight.”
Cameron, 23-6-1 (10 KOs), voiced his frustration with the situation towards the end of last month, revealing that he had originally agreed to a 12-round bout.
Shalom, the promoter of his rematch with Whittaker, 8-0-1 (5 KOs), then insisted that a mistake had been made in the contract that was sent to Queensberry Promotions.
Now, it seems, both parties have agreed to a 10-rounder but, in doing so, Cameron’s promoter demanded that a series of terms must be met.
“Boxxer accepted the terms put forward by Liam Cameron’s promoter, Queensberry, in writing two weeks ago,” Ben Shalom said in a comment received by Boxing News.
“As the promoter of the ‘Resurgence’ event on April 20, we have confirmed with [the British Boxing Board of Control] that the main event will be 10 rounds. This has been communicated to both teams.”
Regardless of any uncertainty expressed by Cameron, it would appear that his second encounter with Whittaker is, in fact, scheduled for two rounds less than he had anticipated back when the fight was signed.
Either way, the Yorkshireman will enter their showdown this Sunday with ample confidence after delivering a mightily impressive performance last October.
That night, of course, proved to be the most devastating of Whittaker’s professional career, with the Olympic silver medallist pulling out of their contest due to an injury.
The controversial moment arrived towards the end of the fifth round when, before coming away with a technical draw, both fighters were sent tumbling over the top rope.
But now, with esteemed trainer Andy Lee in his corner, Whittaker hopes to prove that his unconvincing performance through five rounds was nothing more than a flash in the pan.
