Ben Whittaker has always managed to make himself the center of attention.
On Oct. 12, the unbeaten 27-year-old light heavyweight will get to display his wares in front of the world when he will fight Liam Cameron on the undercard of the undisputed 175-pound title fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol in Saudi Arabia.
In June, Cameron pushed former world title challenger, Lyndon Arthur, all the way before losing a split decision. The former Commonwealth middleweight champion is also desperate to make up for lost time. Last year, he returned from a four year suspension after a 2018 drug test returned traces of a metabolite of cocaine.
Cameron promises to provide the flamboyant 2020 Olympic silver medallist with the toughest test yet of his professional credentials but Whittaker (8-0, 5 KOs) believes that he has been provided with the perfect stage, all he has to do is perform.
“I’m excited. Riyadh Season was made for me and I believe I’m going to go out there and steal the show,” he told Boxxer.
“One hundred percent, it’s my toughest test. He’s been in there with some decent names and won some titles back in the day but that was back in the day. By any means, I’m gonna win and that’s what it’s about.”
Although he speaks about bringing his own unique style of show business to Saudi Arabia, Whittaker is a smart operator and will be fully aware that, in all likelihood, Cameron (23-6, 10 KOs) will make him earn the right to run through his repertoire of tricks.
The showboating and stage-managed ring entrances do tend to overshadow Whittaker’s work ethic. He is a renowned gym rat who is rarely out of shape. It would be a surprise if he came apart at the first sign of resistance.
“I bring the glitz and glamor and I’m bringing it to Saudi. We don’t mess around in training camp. We leave no stone unturned. I’m a step ahead already, I’ve been in camp for about four weeks already. I could go now,” he said.
“I just want to get in there and win. This is strictly business, man. We’re not there to mess around. I believe if I turn up, I win and that’s what I’m going to do.”
John Evans has contributed to a number of well-known publications and websites for over a decade. You can follow John on X @John_Evans79
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