In a highly anticipated rematch, Ben Whittaker and Liam Cameron are set to face off on Sunday, April 20, 2025, at the Resorts World Arena in Birmingham. This clash comes six months after their first encounter ended in a controversial draw, leaving fans eager for a decisive outcome.
Their initial bout, which took place on the undercard of Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol in Riyadh, concluded in bizarre fashion when both fighters tumbled over the ropes in the fifth round. Whittaker, who was injured in the fall, left the arena in a wheelchair, prompting accusations of 'quitting' from Cameron. The judges scored the fight a split-decision draw, with one judge favoring Cameron, another scoring for Whittaker, and a third declaring it even at the time of the stoppage.
Whittaker, an Olympic silver medalist, is looking to get his professional career back on track after the unexpected turn of events in their first fight. He has since relocated his training camp to Ireland and is now working with renowned trainer Andy Lee. Whittaker expressed optimism about the changes, stating, "I believe that was the best chance to get me, and he didn’t. Now, Sunday, it’s all fresh. It’s all new, so we’ll see." He added, "We’ve done all the work in the gym. We’ve done many, many rounds, and we’ll see."
The buildup to the rematch has been marred by contractual disputes, as there was confusion over whether the fight would be 10 or 12 rounds. Initially, both fighters had signed different contracts, with Cameron agreeing to a 12-round bout while Whittaker’s camp sought to reduce it to 10 rounds. Ultimately, a compensation package was agreed upon, and the fight will officially be contested over ten rounds.
Cameron, who has faced his own challenges in the ring and outside of it, is no stranger to rebuilding. After serving a four-year ban from boxing due to an anti-doping violation, he has fought hard to regain his footing in the sport. "I feel like I’ve won the lottery," Cameron said, reflecting on his career trajectory since the first fight. He expressed confidence heading into the rematch, emphasizing, "I’ve given myself the best opportunity. I’m in much better shape than the first fight. Let the games begin in the ring now."
The rematch is not just about settling the score; it’s also about redemption. Whittaker, who has won eight of his professional bouts, is eager to prove that the first fight was an anomaly. He remarked, "I’ve got structure, and it’s been a great camp. He’s [Andy Lee] a great person to be around. I’m picking up things and learning things. It’s a great person to be with."
The undercard for the event features several intriguing matchups, including Frazer Clarke against Ebenezer Tetteh, Lee Cutler facing Sam Eggington, and Tyler Denny squaring off against Elvis Ahorgah. The action is set to begin at 7 PM BST, with main event ring walks expected around 10 PM.
As the rematch approaches, both fighters are aware of the stakes involved. For Whittaker, it’s a chance to reaffirm his status as a rising star in boxing after a rocky start. For Cameron, it’s an opportunity to capitalize on the momentum gained from their first encounter and prove that he can outlast the Olympic champion.
Whittaker’s flashy style and showboating have drawn both admiration and criticism, but he is determined to demonstrate that he can adapt and overcome the challenges posed by Cameron. With both fighters in peak condition and ready to put on a show, fans can expect an electrifying night of boxing.
As the countdown to the rematch continues, the boxing world is abuzz with anticipation. Will Ben Whittaker reclaim his path to stardom, or will Liam Cameron rise from the depths of his struggles to pull off a stunning upset? One thing is for sure: this fight promises to deliver fireworks and drama.
