A significant controversy has emerged in the world of British boxing regarding the number of scheduled rounds for the upcoming rematch between Ben Whittaker and Liam Cameron. Set to take place on April 20 in Birmingham, England, the disagreement stems from discrepancies in the contracts signed by both fighters. While Cameron's contract specifies a 12-round bout, Whittaker’s agreement indicates a 10-round contest. This mismatch has sparked ongoing negotiations between BOXXER, the promoter, and Cameron's team to potentially reduce the fight to 10 rounds. The original encounter ended in a dramatic split draw after both fighters fell out of the ring during the fifth round, raising numerous questions about Whittaker's stamina and potential in the sport.
Amidst this dispute, the backstory of their previous clash adds another layer of intrigue. Last October, during an undercard match, the fight concluded abruptly when both boxers tumbled over the ropes in the fifth round, leaving Whittaker unable to continue. Given that four rounds had been completed, the bout resulted in a technical decision with mixed scores from the judges, leading to a split draw. This outcome not only tarnished Whittaker's reputation as one of boxing's promising prospects but also earned him the derisive nickname "Quittaker" on social media platforms.
Liam Cameron, who previously held the Commonwealth middleweight title before being stripped due to a doping violation, sees this rematch as a pivotal moment in his career. After returning from a four-year ban, Cameron demonstrated resilience with three consecutive wins before suffering a split-decision loss to Lyndon Arthur. His unexpected performance against Whittaker has rejuvenated his confidence, and he is determined to prove that his showing was no fluke. Cameron believes he exposed Whittaker's vulnerabilities in their initial bout, asserting that the Olympic silver medalist did not underestimate him.
The stakes are high for both fighters, particularly for Whittaker, who now trains under Andy Lee ahead of this crucial rematch. A victory is imperative for Whittaker to salvage his reputation and advance his professional ambitions. For Cameron, this bout represents a life-changing opportunity, potentially elevating him to stardom within the sport. Despite not being aligned with a major TV promoter, Cameron's compensation for this rematch is substantial, courtesy of Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions. Even a respectable defeat could secure future televised matches for the Sheffield-based fighter.
This forthcoming showdown promises to be a defining moment in both athletes' careers. As negotiations continue over the round count, all eyes are on Birmingham, where either fighter could emerge victorious or face further scrutiny. Regardless of the outcome, the rivalry between Cameron and Whittaker is sure to leave a lasting impression on British boxing history. Both competitors bring unique narratives into the ring, adding layers of drama and anticipation to what is already shaping up to be a memorable event.