Unconvincing Ben Whittaker survives late scare to secure IBF world title shot

Ben Whittaker secured a shot at the IBF light-heavyweight world title after claiming a unanimous decision victory over Ireland's Conor Wallace at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham.

On paper, this was Whittaker’s toughest test to date, and it proved to be just that, according to BoxingScene. After building a commanding early lead, he ran into serious trouble over the final three rounds. The 29-year-old Whittaker, who had stopped his previous four opponents inside two rounds, was taken the full 12-round championship distance for the first time in his professional career.

Wallace dropped most of the opening rounds before dragging Whittaker into deep waters and nearly sinking him. The 12th and final round made for uncomfortable viewing for promoter Eddie Hearn, who has invested heavily in Whittaker, as the Brit staggered around the ring in a desperate bid to make the final bell.

Ultimately, Whittaker—whose record improved to 13-0-1 (9 KOs)—survived the onslaught to earn the victory with judges' scores of 117-111, 116-112, and 115-113.

Speaking after the bout, Whittaker admitted he lost his focus in the later rounds. Early on, however, he was in total control, establishing his range with a sharp jab before unleashing looping overhand rights that narrowly missed Wallace.

The 30-year-old Irishman felt Whittaker's power even through his guard and appeared hesitant to engage in exchanges. Yet Wallace proved an elusive target, staying light on his feet and firing back with clean left hands from his southpaw stance whenever Whittaker overreached with the right.

Whittaker enjoyed his success—perhaps a little too much—dancing and showboating around the ring rather than keeping Wallace under sustained pressure, a decision he would come to regret. By the start of the eighth round, he no longer resembled the destructive knockout artist from his previous four fights or the early stages of this contest.

Wallace grew in confidence, taking Whittaker's best punches well and finding a home for his straight left hand. It was not long before the Irishman buzzed Whittaker, whose stamina had already been questioned following his controversial 2024 draw with Liam Cameron. Wallace caught him with a stiff left that sent the unbeaten light-heavyweight stumbling back.

Wallace, however, rushed his work and closed the distance too eagerly, smothering his own attacks and even tackling Whittaker to the canvas during one clinch. The subsequent rounds were difficult to watch for both Hearn and Whittaker's trainer, Andy Lee. Wallace relentlessly turned up the heat while Whittaker's legs looked increasingly unsteady. At the start of the 12th and final round, Wallace stunned him once more, leaving the Brit looking just one punch away from being stopped.

A fatigued but alert Whittaker hit the canvas on multiple occasions, but referee Kieran McCann ruled none of the slips as knockdowns.

Whittaker survived a massive scare, but his performance left more questions than answers. Following the loss, Wallace's record slipped to 17-2 (12 KOs), and the Irishman wasted no time in calling for an immediate rematch.