Olympic silver medalist Ben Whittaker needs to rematch Liam Cameron next, at least, that’s the prevailing sentiment among fans. Meanwhile, Ben Shalom, Whittaker’s promoter, has shared vital updates on his return to boxing, while shedding light on the rematch. The 27-year-old Brit locked horns with ‘Cannonball’ Cameron last month in Saudi Arabia. 

Despite taking the lead in the first few rounds, Whittaker got a stark reality check. His usual dance moves in the ring and taunts were nowhere to be seen, as Cameron was starting to prove too much of a challenge for ‘The Surgeon.’ After the 3rd-round, Cameron’s experience and Whittaker’s lack of stamina were starting to show, and that’s when things took an unusual turn

Come 5th round, Whittaker, whose legs were gone, was forced onto the ropes by Cameron. When the 34-year-old approached Ben Whittaker to deliver further punishment, Whittaker clinched and the duo bent backward and tumbled over the ropes. It quickly brought the fight to an end, as Whittaker was taken out of the ring in a wheelchair. 

The fight was officially declared a draw after Whittaker’s corner claimed he had suffered an ankle injury during the bout. However, many, including Cameron, are skeptical, accusing the 27-year-old of quitting. In the face of these allegations, Whittaker’s promoter remains firm, insisting the injury was legitimate.

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While speaking to Sky Sports recently, the promoter said, “We want to make sure that he’s absolutely a-ok, and then, yes, he should be able to go.” Shalom then added, “He will not fight this year, but we’re looking for a big homecoming in February or March.” Turning to the rematch with Cameron, Shalom claimed it’s the first thing on his mind. 

“[Cameron] is the fight that is in the front of my mind, is in the front of his mind. But first and foremost we need to see him come back fit,” he added. Regardless, Shalom’s biggest worry wasn’t the ankle injury. 

Ben Shalom reveals his first concern seeing Ben Whittaker and Liam Cameron stumble over the ropes

As it turns out, Whittaker didn’t just injure his ankle, Ben Shalom has revealed a past neck problem was the biggest cause of concern for him. “For me, it was the neck that was the concern,” Shalom said. “The year before, I think he was out for eight or nine months. And, for us, he was a massive signing from the Olympics.”

Shalom further added, “So, when I saw him flip over the ropes with a 13-stone man fall on top of him, knowing what happened with the neck, that was the first concern.” It’s also worth mentioning that following the fight last month, Whittaker was caught on camera in a heated altercation with an individual in a Saudi airport, where he reportedly smashed the other person’s phone. 

That said, it appears Ben Whittaker will have to face the music by rematching Liam Cameron. However, Ben Shalom’s statement indicates Whittaker may first take a tune-up fight in February or March. Do you think Whittaker is trying to push the rematch back? Do you think Whittaker faked his injury? Or is it blown way out of proportion?