Whittaker’s title readiness questioned after Wallace fight
Sky Sports analyst Matthew Macklin says Ben Whittaker needs several more high-level bouts before challenging for the IBF light-heavyweight title.
Ben Whittaker’s unanimous decision win over Conor Wallace in Birmingham has prompted questions about his readiness for a world title challenge. Sky Sports analyst Matthew Macklin said Whittaker should have “probably a few” more high-level fights before facing IBF light-heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol.
Whittaker controlled much of Saturday’s bout, but Wallace’s left hand troubled him in the 10th round. Whittaker appeared ragged in the 12th, repeatedly slipping to the canvas before securing the points win.
Macklin said Whittaker had not yet shown whether he could withstand and recover from sustained pressure over 12 rounds against elite opposition. He noted that Wallace did not match the calibre of fighters such as Bivol and Callum Smith.
Macklin also pointed to Whittaker’s fights with Liam Cameron, including their rematch, and said his professional record contained too few high-level opponents. In his view, experience in the ring against stronger opposition is needed to develop the skills shown in training.
Sky Sports reported that the victory lined Whittaker up for a shot at the IBF belt. The source did not include confirmation from the IBF or Bivol, or specify a possible opponent or timing for a title fight.
