BEN WHITTAKER labelled his hotly anticipated rematch with Liam Cameron as ‘just another fight’ and insisted he is not emotionally invested in the encounter.
The pair combined to produce one of the most controversial moments in British boxing of 2024 when their October fight ended in a sixth round technical draw.
Whittaker was accused of quitting as a result of the ending, as both men fell over the top rope and out of the ring. But while Cameron was ready to continue, Whittaker was unable to continue due to an injury.
Cameron, who was a huge underdog before the first fight, immediately called for a rematch after feeling cheated out of a stunning upset victory.
And on Easter Sunday, six months on from their initial clash, Cameron will get his chance. But Whittaker is adamant the fight will be just like any other.
“For me, it’s just another fight,” said Whittaker.
“He’s more emotionally attached to this fight than I am, and he should be. It’s given him new fame, new followers and a new hairline.
“He turned up his best, I turned up my worst and it looked like two kids who had come out of Wetherspoons, drunk swinging. He still couldn’t do much. The highlight of the fight was flying over the ropes. But now April 20 is what matters really, I’ll win then.
“For me, there’s no pressure if I’m really honest. I’ve been in situations with a lot more. There’s no win, lose or draw it’s just win. That’s it: win and move on.
“He keeps going on about this first fight. Fair play, I’ve got no animosity. But 20th April is Judgement Day.”
Cameron, who smiled as Whittaker talked at Thursday’s launch press conference in London, said: “I like this Ben Whittaker, he’s not biting. I’m trying to dig him out but he’s not biting.
“I knew he was going to have to take the rematch because of public demand. So I stayed in the gym and we’ve been working on Ben. He’s got a lot to prove to the world, to his subscribers. The pressure is on him but I’m not bothered. I just need to do my best.
“I wish him all the best, it’s nothing personal. I’ve got a lot out of Ben – new career, new hairline and everything else. Thanks for the support, now I’m going to finish the job, I promise you.
“Hopefully I can just flatten him in the first round and then move on.”
