Ben Whittaker took just two rounds to silence his critics, securing a decisive victory over Liam Cameron in their highly anticipated rematch at the BP Pulse LIVE arena in Birmingham, England, on April 20, 2025. The fight ended with a technical knockout (TKO) at 1:53 of the second round, marking a significant turnaround for Whittaker following their controversial first encounter last October.
In the first fight, which took place on the undercard of Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol, both fighters tumbled over the ropes, resulting in a technical decision draw after Whittaker was unable to continue due to an injury. Many observers felt that Cameron had the upper hand at that point, leading to a heated rivalry between the two fighters.
This time around, Whittaker, now 9-0-1 with 6 KOs, came out swinging. He landed a powerful right hand that sent Cameron staggering back against the ropes, followed by a flurry of unanswered punches. Referee Howard Foster stepped in to halt the contest, much to the debate of fans and commentators alike. Some argued that the stoppage was premature, while others felt it was warranted given Cameron's condition.
Whittaker’s victory was met with mixed reactions from the crowd. Despite being from nearby Wolverhampton, he faced boos during his ring walk and post-fight interviews. Following the fight, Whittaker celebrated exuberantly, even darting over to Cameron's corner to gloat, which led to a heated exchange with Cameron's trainer, Grant Smith. Smith attempted to slap Whittaker in response, highlighting the ongoing animosity between the two camps.
After the fight, Whittaker reflected on his performance, stating, "Fair play to Liam, we spoke in the ring and he said nobody has ever hit him like that. What happened in Saudi needed to happen. I'm still flashy, I'm still swaggy but when I came in here I was disciplined. And now people know I can hit." He also addressed the incident with Smith, saying, "They are portraying me as a bad guy, but I work very hard, I was roaring like a lion. If a bit of dribble came out, dribble came out."
The atmosphere leading up to the fight was charged, with both fighters eager to settle their score. Whittaker made a spectacular entrance, accompanied by pyrotechnics and a choir, but was met with jeers from the crowd. Cameron, 34, had garnered support for his humility and resilience, especially after overcoming personal challenges, including a suspension for recreational drug use and battles with alcoholism.
Despite the crowd's mixed reactions, Whittaker showcased his skill and determination throughout the fight. He opened with sharp jabs and quick combinations, establishing control early on. His performance was a testament to his new training partnership with Andy Lee, which has brought a more disciplined approach to his boxing style.
As the fight progressed, Whittaker's confidence grew. He utilized his speed and movement effectively, landing clean shots that visibly affected Cameron. The decisive moment came in the second round when a right hook from Whittaker sent Cameron reeling, prompting the referee's intervention. Cameron, who has now lost seven of his 31 professional bouts, showed no real protest to the stoppage.
Whittaker's win not only avenged the previous draw but also served as a statement to his critics. After the fight, he expressed relief and satisfaction, indicating that he had put the doubts behind him. "I should have done the 12 now, shouldn’t I?" he joked, reflecting on the fight's scheduled rounds amidst the contractual confusion that had plagued the lead-up.
On the undercard, heavyweight Frazer Clarke also returned to winning ways, scoring a first-round TKO over Ebenezer Tetteh. Clarke, who faced significant challenges following a loss to Fabio Wardley last October, expressed his joy at the victory, stating, "I've been crying out for that kind of performance since my debut. Especially after the last six months, being in a dark place at times."
Another notable match featured Tyler Denny, who secured a unanimous points victory over Elvis Ahorgah. The evening showcased a variety of bouts, each contributing to the excitement of the night, but it was Whittaker's performance that stole the spotlight.
As the dust settles on this thrilling rematch, the boxing community is left buzzing with anticipation for what’s next for both fighters. Whittaker has proven that he can compete at the highest level, and with the backing of Andy Lee, the future looks bright for the 27-year-old. Meanwhile, Cameron will need to regroup and reassess as he continues his career in the ring.
In conclusion, Ben Whittaker’s emphatic victory over Liam Cameron not only avenged a controversial draw but also solidified his status as a serious contender in the light-heavyweight division. With his sights set on future challenges, Whittaker has undoubtedly made a statement on this significant night in Birmingham.
