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Rarely can an eight-round undercard contest have created such a buzz.
Highlights of Ben Whittaker’s exploits during his stoppage victory over Khalid Graidia last month generated tens of millions of views and attracted attention from outside of the boxing bubble. Whittaker took the attention in his stride, insisting that the performance was just routine.
The Olympic silver medallist’s showboating may take the headlines but there is real substance behind the style. His fanatical attitude to training is common knowledge, and since a bothersome shoulder injury cleared up he has been as active as possible.
The light heavyweight makes his second appearance of the year on Sunday when he boxes on the undercard of the British and Commonwealth heavyweight title fight between Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke and he will be looking to create even more momentum by putting on a show against central area champion Leon Willings, 7-1 (2 KOs).
“Nothing’s really changed,” Whittaker, 6-0 (5 KOs), said at Friday’s press conference. “Me and my dad have always said since I was a young kid that I haven’t done anything yet. There’s world champions and unified world champions. Getting a couple of likes and followers is great but my boxing needs to speak for itself. That’s what I’ll show on Sunday.”
Whittaker isn’t quite yet the money man of British boxing just but he is quickly becoming one of its biggest attractions. For the time being fans don’t seem too concerned about his level of opposition and are quite happy to tune in to watch him go through his repertoire.
Those opponents know that although they run the very real risk of becoming part of Whittaker’s highlight reel, they can elevate their career to an entirely different level if they can beat the flamboyant 26 year old. Pretty soon Whittaker will begin facing opponents who will climb through the ropes expecting to beat him rather than hoping they can but, by then, he will be well used to carrying a target on his back.
“I suppose Leon’s the bounty hunter on Sunday,” Whittaker said. “I’ve got a big bounty on my head but that’s what I want. I work hard. I like to put myself out there so that these people think they can call me out. When it comes, they’ll see the levels.
“Respect to Leon Willings. he was willing to take the fight so big respect to him. He’s coming off a win for a title but I just think there’s levels. I think I’m a level above and it’ll show on Sunday.”