Burgeoning Light Heavyweight Talent Ben Whittaker Dominates Ezra Arenyeka in Feisty Encounter
Light heavyweight prospect Ben Whittaker showcased his skills in a commanding performance against Nigeria’s Ezra Arenyeka at a recent boxing event. The Englishman, known as “The Surgeon,” was warned by Arenyeka prior to the fight about any showboating or disrespectful behavior, and the Nigerian was true to his word.
In the sixth round, Arenyeka, who is based in Cheshire, England, retaliated by thrusting his head towards Whittaker’s after the Englishman had dominated the round. Whittaker, seemingly unfazed, smiled at the infraction, recognizing that his own cockiness had likely provoked the reaction.
The feisty encounter continued in the seventh round, with Referee Bob Williams forced to intervene when Arenyeka landed a thudding right elbow after missing a shot from the same arm. “It turned into UFC at times, he headbutted me, he elbowed me, but it’s all a good experience,” Whittaker said after the fight.
Despite the physical exchanges, Whittaker maintained his composure and outclassed his opponent, winning the 10-round contest by scores of 99-90 (twice) and 100-89. “I knew he was going to be tough,” Whittaker admitted. “If you saw him at the weigh-in, at the press conference when he stormed in. He was a fighter, it was a great fight. I boxed beautifully and I came away with the belt.”
The victory earned Whittaker the IBF International Light Heavyweight title, although he was unable to fulfill his promise of a knockout. “If I stood here and said I didn’t want to knock him out, I’d be lying,” he acknowledged. “But at the end of the day, I kept it clean, I hurt him a couple of times, but I came away with the win.”
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