Ben Whittaker bought the world speaking with a singular efficiency in opposition to Khalid Graidia on the Joshua Buatsi vs Dan Azeez undercard on Saturday night time.
Who’s Ben Whittaker?
The 26-year-old is a rising star within the light-heavyweight division. He has an unbeaten 6-0 skilled file, with 5 of these victories coming by knockout.
He was a extremely profitable newbie boxer, who received a silver medal on the Tokyo Olympic Video games in 2021, solely shedding to excellent Cuban Arlen Lopez within the ultimate.
Who trains him?
When he turned skilled Whittaker joined American coach SugarHill Steward, the nephew of legendary coach Manny Steward.
Steward has a steady of excessive profile fighters, notably WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.
Whittaker additionally works with Joby Clayton, who was his coach as an newbie.
Why is everybody speaking about him?
Whittaker impressed in his Olympic Video games and has dazzled in his skilled performances, combining outrageous showboating with stunningly highly effective mixture punching.
That model was in full impact final Saturday as he stopped Khalid Graidia, with a clip of Whittaker’s flamboyant showboating going viral on social media.
The eye has been international. For example American star Shakur Stevenson, the WBO light-weight world champion, messaged Whittaker on social media saying: “I’m a fan champ, I love how much fun you have while doing your craft.
“Inform them if they do not prefer it, step up the competitors so you can try this to them too.”
What does he say?
Whittaker informed Sky Sports activities Information: “The style that I do is actually just my style. I’m not trying to go viral, I’m not trying to get likes and things like that. Of course it’s a compliment but I’m just being me. It’s a good response but I’ve just got to keep level-headed, keep my feet on the ground and make sure I cut no corners.
“I am simply making an attempt to be myself. You solely get one profession so I am simply making an attempt to have enjoyable whereas I am doing it. All people’s bought their very own opinion and I am excited to see the place it goes.
“When I do actually box and switch on I do believe there’s not many people that can box like me. I’ve got a really good boxing IQ. Sometimes I do get a bit carried away. I maybe had a bit too many Smarties in the changing room. But like I said it’s just me enjoying myself, having fun. I just can’t wait to show when I’m at the top level my actual real skills.
“When I was a young boy watching professional boxing, that’s what got me into it – the whole occasion, the ringwalk, what kit would they come out in and things like that.
“I principally generally take into consideration the equipment and the ringwalk, sadly, after which I let the crew include the techniques.
“At the end of the day these fans are paying their hard-earned money, they’re coming out to see a show and that’s what we’ve got to do and put on.”
When will he battle subsequent?
Whittaker doesn’t have a subsequent opponent or battle date confirmed but, however he’s anticipated to field once more in March.
After recovering from damage in 2023, Whittaker is seeking to be energetic this yr too.
“My hands feel good, no injuries no niggles,” he mentioned, “hopefully a fast turnover.”
When will he battle for a title?
Whittaker is a prospect and, at this early of his profession, is gathering expertise. However he has the expertise to maneuver faster than most.
His final opponent, Khalid Graidia for example had gone the eight-round distance with former British and European champion Dan Azeez amongst others.
“He was supposed to be a decent test for me. But I think it just shows the level I’m at,” Whittaker mentioned.
However he added: “It’s all about experience in this pro game. You see a lot of prospects sometimes jump the gun too early and then they don’t do the in between levels.
“I need to undergo each degree so when I’m on the prime I keep there and I feel that is what the secret is.”