Ben Whittaker became mandatory challenger for Dmitry Bivol’s IBF light-heavyweight title on Saturday with a win over Conor Wallace, and boxing promoter Frank Warren has answered whether he believes ‘The Surgeon’ can get the better of Bivol.
Whittaker entered the ring as a heavy favourite against Australia’s Wallace – who had been positioned for a world title bid for an extended period – and looked to be a level above for the opening 10 rounds as he dictated proceedings.
However, fears regarding Whittaker’s gas tank were vindicated when Wallace pressed his foot on the accelerator in the championship rounds and buzzed the home fighter, who then had to hold on and cling to his opponent in the final three minutes to hear the final bell.
Still, Whittaker claimed a unanimous decision win (117-111, 116-112, 115-113) to tee up an ambitious shot at Bivol’s throne, but Warren gave a damning verdict when speaking to Playbook Boxing about the possible fight.
“Anyone who makes [Dmitry Bivol vs Whittaker] should be reported to the NSPCC.
“He’s a nice guy, good luck to him and Matchroom done a good job in promoting him — they got everybody talking about him — but you’ve got to have some substance and the substance at the end of the day just isn’t there.”
Whilst Whittaker will be ordered for a challenge for Bivol’s unified title, he is also well positioned with the WBC and that could be his more likely route to world honours, especially when considering that a fellow Brit is poised to become the new WBC world champion next month.
As for Bivol, he is first scheduled to defend his unified light heavyweight world titles against Callum Smith in Russia in December.
