One of the things about covering the sport of Boxing and by extension combat sports as a whole that this observer personally enjoys is having the opportunity to see fighters at various stages in their careers. In the technological age we are presently in, it often allows such observation and in my case, coverage of a fighter to begin at the early stages of one's career where you are looking to see what fighters have the potential to become legitimate prospects as they move towards trying to become a contender with the eventual goal to fight for a world championship. The climb for such fighters up the ladder of contention can vary and in a sport where there are multiple avenues for a fighter to get into position to challenge for a world title, it can often come down to what opportunities are available and when.
A fighter that appears to be on the cusp of fighting for a world title in the not too distant future is undefeated Light-Heavyweight contender Ben Whitaker. Whitaker, a native of West Bromwich, England, turned pro in 2022 after winning a Silver medal in the delayed 2020 Olympics in the summer of 2021 and like many fighters who have been able to benefit from the exposure and prestige the Olympics carry, he has been able to rise up the rankings quickly in beginning his career unbeaten in thirteen professional fights with twelve wins, nine of those wins coming by knockout, and one draw and has been rated number two in the world in the World Boxing Council (WBC) Light-Heavyweight ratings. While still having a somewhat limited resume as a professional, Whitaker would appear as though he might be on the short list of potential world title challengers as 2027 nears. Before any discussion of Whitaker possibly fighting for a world title can occur, he will take the next step in his career when he faces top Light-Heavyweight contender Conor Wallace on October 3rd at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham, England in a twelve round bout that can be seen worldwide on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN.
What this fight boils down to is simply two top contenders nearing a world title opportunity, each taking a gamble by facing each other, with both likely looking at a win over the other as the catalyst to earn that opportunity. Much like Whitaker, Wallace has gone from highly touted prospect to highly rated contender and also shares the similarity of being rated number two in the world in the 175lb. Light-Heavyweight division, with his ranking being recognized by the International Boxing Federation (IBF). Although the process of how fighters are rated and the various policies and procedures of Boxing’s five major sanctioning organizations can at times be a source of confusion and often the subject of criticism and ridicule, the positive in this instance is two highly rated contenders are choosing to face each other rather than sit on their respective ranking and wait for a title shot to come to them. While it is a high-risk scenario for both fighters, it also offers potentially a high reward as well. The similarities between the two fighters do not end with their similar rankings.
Both fighters have similar records as Wallace has seventeen wins in eighteen professional fights. The one blemish for Wallace came in April 2021 when he lost a close majority decision to Emilio Leti for the Australian Light-Heavyweight championship.Since that fight, Wallace has rebounded to win his last ten bouts including a knockout of Leti in their November 2022 rematch. Wallace will enter this bout with a 17-1, with 12 Knockouts record.
Despite the similarity of the two fighters; records, rankings, and being at a similar stage in their careers, Wallace does have more experience and in addition to being a former Australian Light-Heavyweight champion, he has also won regional titles recognized by both the World Boxing Association (WBA) and World Boxing Organization (WBO) respectively. Though regional championships in Professional Boxing are used as a vehicle to elevate a fighter into the world title picture, in this case it does indicate a fighter’s experience going into a fight like this.
The question here is whether Wallace will be able to use some of that slight experience to his advantage. To this point in Whitaker’s pro career he has not been tested, despite holding regional belts of his own in the division recognized by both the WBC and IBF. What Whitaker does have, however, is a significant pedigree that he earned in the amateurs that largely puts the onus on whether an opponent will be able to provide a stern test at this point in his career or if a test will come when if/when he gets an opportunity to challenge for a world championship.
With the top of the Light-Heayweight division currently ruled by current world champions Dmitry Bivol and David Benavidez, this fight could amount to an unofficial elimination bout to determine who will be the next opponent for either Bivol or Benavidez.
“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”
Whitaker vs. Wallace takes place on Saturday, October 3rd at the Utilita Arena in Manchester, England. The fight as well as its full undercard can be seen worldwide on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN available to both Standard and Ultimate subscribers beginning at 12PM ET/9AM PT with preliminary bouts, which will be followed by the main card that will begin at 2PM ET/11AM PT.
(*North American Start Times Only.* *Card and Start Times Subject to Change.*)
For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, availability around the world, local start times in your area, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com
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