Who Are Ben Whittaker’s Potential Opponents After Saturday’s Bizarre Unanimous Decision Victory?

What is next for Ben Whittaker after such an underwhelming performance against Conor Wallace?

Whittaker (13-0-1, 9 KOs) won a 12-round unanimous decision over Wallace. The scores were wide, but the last impression was bad for Whittaker. After coasting through most of the rounds, he limped to the finish line, got buzzed in the tenth round, and at times barely looked like he would make it out of the final round. Add to that, Whittaker’s arrogance was on full display, mocking and belittling Wallace in the early rounds (fair play, since he did the same at the developmental levels).

So when he struggled late, it felt like his attitude and temperament were fighting against Wallace, who had so many advantages over him, and it came off like the tortoise and the hare. Wallace, a likable underdog, tried like the tortoise, while the cocky Whittaker seemed like the hare, believing victory was a given, if not assured. Questions remain about Whittaker, mostly mental. How does he progress? He has the talent, but can he harness it?

Let’s look at some matchups that could be next.

Conor Wallace 

Do the rematch. Whittaker has a good history in rematches, as he stopped Liam Cameron after a dicey first fight. The most obvious option is to run this back and try to dispel any doubt this fight might have created.

Anthony Yarde

Yarde is a solid puncher who is limited but likable. From a fight standpoint, he offers a step-up in class; from a narrative point of view, Yarde is modest and humble. It is a great main event fight where you could talk yourself into believing Yarde has a chance.

Dmitry Bivol

Though this shouldn’t be next, Whittaker is the mandatory challenger for the IBF light heavyweight title held by Bivol. Whittaker, if offered, should jump at the chance to fight for a belt, even if he probably loses a one-sided fight.

Ezra Taylor vs. Bradley Rea winner 

On November 7, these two will fight, and the winner is roughly at Whittaker’s level or slightly below. Yes, it is a Queensberry Promotions fight, and Whittaker is with Matchroom Boxing, but it is a great fight.

Willy Hutchinson vs Joshua Buatsi

Hutchinson and Buatsi will also do battle on November 7. The bout is for the interim WBC title. Who knows what is going on with Bivol. As my guy on X, Tokkers, said, the winner could be elevated, and a domestic U.K. title fight between Whittaker and the winner could occur. A lot of moving pieces, but I like the looks of it.

Lucas Ketelle

Lucas Ketelle is a boxing writer and podcaster who has appeared on various platforms throughout his career.

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