In a thrilling rematch that showcased the resilience and determination of Ben Whittaker, the British light-heavyweight boxer decisively defeated Liam Cameron by TKO in the second round on April 20, 2025, at the bp pulse LIVE arena in Birmingham. This fight, which was eagerly anticipated after their controversial draw six months prior, not only marked a significant turning point in Whittaker's career but also highlighted the intense emotions that come with the sport.
Whittaker, 27, came into this match with a renewed sense of purpose, having faced criticism and skepticism following their first encounter. The atmosphere was electric, with an impressive attendance of 15,655 fans, including local heavyweights like Frazer Clarke and Solomon Dacres, who were on their feet as Whittaker made his entrance. A 15-strong female choir from Sheffield harmonized his ringwalk, setting the stage for an emotional night.
The fight began with both boxers feeling each other out, but it quickly escalated. Whittaker, who now trains under the guidance of the highly-rated Andy Lee, displayed a mix of methodical movement and explosive power. In the second round, he landed a heavy right cross that sent Cameron reeling. Despite some controversy over the referee's decision to stop the fight at 1:53 of the second round, with Cameron's manager Lee Eaton protesting the stoppage, it was clear that the 34-year-old was on shaky legs and unable to defend himself effectively.
After the fight, Whittaker's emotions were palpable. He ran over to Cameron's corner, where he mocked the older fighter's coaches before returning to his own corner, where he sobbed into his gloves, overwhelmed by the moment. "I should’ve done the 12, shouldn’t I?" Whittaker joked to Sky Sports, referencing a strange contract dispute that had led to a scheduled ten-round fight instead of the initially agreed twelve rounds. He defended his actions, stating, "You heard everyone booing me, man, they portrayed me as a bad guy... I was roaring like a lion. If a little bit of dribble came out, a little bit of dribble came out."
Whittaker's performance was not just about avenging the draw; it was also a statement about his growth as a fighter. He reflected on the lessons learned from their first bout, saying, "What happened in Saudi needed to happen. It made me work harder. I'm still swaggy and flashy, but very disciplined in there." His promoter, BOXXER chief Ben Shalom, expressed pride in Whittaker's achievement, declaring him the biggest star in British boxing.
The fight was broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK and TrillerTV+ in the US, allowing fans to witness the dramatic return of a fighter who had faced doubts about his future. Whittaker's previous bout against Cameron ended in controversy when they both fell over the top rope, leading to a draw that left many questions unanswered. This rematch was an opportunity for Whittaker to silence his critics and demonstrate his true potential in the ring.
As the fight unfolded, Whittaker's confidence grew. He showcased his skills, landing jabs to the head and body, while Cameron struggled to find his rhythm. Whittaker's movement was purposeful, and he effectively controlled the pace of the fight. Even as Cameron connected with some punches that grabbed the crowd's attention, it was clear that Whittaker was the more dominant fighter.
In the aftermath of the bout, Cameron acknowledged Whittaker's power, stating, "No one’s ever hit me like that." This admission underscored the impact of Whittaker's performance and the respect he earned from his opponent. The two fighters shared an embrace in the ring, a moment that highlighted the sportsmanship that can exist even amidst fierce competition.
Looking ahead, Whittaker expressed a desire to indulge in his favorite foods after adhering to a strict diet plan leading up to the fight. "I've been living the life, but need some food in my belly and we'll go again, none of that broccoli rubbish!" he exclaimed, hinting at his plans to enjoy a well-deserved break before returning to training.
The main card also featured several other exciting bouts, including Sam Eggington's victory over Lee Cutler by TDU8 and Frazer Clarke's KO win against Ebenezer Tetteh in the heavyweight division. Tyler Denny and Elliott Whale also secured wins in their respective matches, adding to the night’s excitement.
As Whittaker continues to build on this victory, the boxing world will be watching closely. His journey from a controversial draw to a decisive win exemplifies the unpredictable nature of the sport and the determination required to succeed. With Andy Lee in his corner, Whittaker is poised for a bright future, ready to take on whatever challenges lie ahead.
In conclusion, Ben Whittaker's triumphant performance against Liam Cameron not only avenged a previous disappointment but also solidified his status as a rising star in British boxing. As he looks forward to what comes next, fans can expect to see more of the flashy, disciplined fighter who has captured their hearts and attention in the ring.
