Whittaker Stops Cameron in 2nd Round, Cementing His Rise After Controversial Draw
When Ben Whittaker, a 28‑year‑old Olympic silver medallist, silenced his doubters with a brutal 1:53 knockout of Liam Cameron on Easter Sunday, the boxing world finally got the answer it needed.
The showdown took place at bp pulse LIVE in Birmingham on , under the banner of Whittaker‑Cameron RematchBirmingham, United Kingdom. Referee Howard Foster stopped the contest just before the halfway point of round two, awarding Whittaker a technical knockout.
Why This Fight Mattered
Back in October 2024, the two rivals faced off in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, only for the bout to end in a bizarre technical draw when both men tumbled over the top rope in the fifth round. Whittaker suffered a cut that forced the fight to stop, and the strange finish sparked a chorus of criticism. Fans accused him of ducking the fight, while Cameron’s camp claimed the draw cheapened his own record.
That controversy set the stage for an April 2025 rematch that promised answers – and it delivered, straight from the fourth‑round. The first round was a feeling‑out, but by the second Whittaker’s power had taken center stage.
Contract Chaos: The ‘Roundgate’ Saga
Just weeks before the card, a paperwork snafu turned the bout into a negotiation battlefield. BOXXER, the promotional outfit that had signed Whittaker, allegedly tried to reduce the fight from the originally agreed 12 rounds to 10. Cameron’s camp, meanwhile, was still waving a 12‑round contract. TalkSPORT reported that Cameron’s team discovered the discrepancy two weeks out, labeling it a classic case of "Roundgate."
According to Ring Magazine, the dispute lingered up to the Monday before the fight. A source close to the deal admitted, "Roundgate is still in full swing. We need a resolution soon." Ben Shalom, BOXXER’s representative, eventually confirmed the bout would go ahead as a 10‑round affair after compensating Cameron’s camp for the contractual change.
Round Two: The Knockout
The second round began with Cameron attempting to press forward, but Whittaker answered with a crisp, counter‑right hand that snapped Cameron’s head back. The Sheffield fighter staggered, his feet sliding off the canvas as Whittaker surged forward, hurling a flurry of punches that drove Cameron into the ropes. The crowd at bp pulse LIVE erupted when Foster raised his hand, declaring a stoppage.
Whittaker’s record now sits at 9‑0‑1 with six knockouts, while Cameron drops to 23‑7‑1 with ten KOs. In the immediate aftermath, Whittaker told Sky Sports, "Fair play to Liam, we spoke in the ring and he said no one's ever hit me like that. It made me open up the door, it made me work harder. I'm still flashy, I'm still swaggy… but I came in here and I was disciplined and people know now I can hit."
What The Win Means For Whittaker’s Career
Six months after the Easter Sunday victory, Whittaker inked a long‑term deal with Matchroom Boxing, Eddie Hearn’s powerhouse promotion. Hearn praised the signing, calling Whittaker "the greatest signing to make in boxing today." Whittaker echoed the sentiment, explaining, "I'm at the right stage of my career now to pick the right platform and go for the right fights. So this move just made sense."
The deal positions Whittaker for a potential light‑heavyweight world title run, with Matchroom promising higher‑profile bouts and broader TV exposure. The buzz around his future match‑ups has already ignited speculative talk about clashes with reigning champions in the weight class.
Other Highlights From the Easter Sunday Card
- Olympic bronze medallist Frazer Clarke faced Ebaneezer Tetteh in a gritty middle‑weight contest.
- Super welterweight showdown between Lee Cutler and Sam Eggington kept the co‑main event lively.
- Former European champion Tyler Denny squared off against Elvis Ahorgah, delivering a tactical bout that ended in a split decision.
The card is now being hailed as one of Birmingham’s most significant boxing events in recent memory, reviving the city’s reputation as a hub for high‑stakes fights.
What’s Next For The Fighters?
Whittaker’s next step will likely involve a Tune‑up fight under the Matchroom banner before a potential world‑title eliminator later this year. Cameron, meanwhile, is expected to regroup with his team and target a comeback bout against a ranked contender in early 2026.
Both camps have hinted at possible rematches with other regional rivals, keeping the British light‑heavyweight scene vibrant.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Whittaker’s knockout affect his ranking in the light‑heavyweight division?
The decisive win catapulted Whittaker into the top‑five of the British Boxing Board of Control’s light‑heavyweight rankings. Combined with his new Matchroom deal, he’s now in contention for an eliminator against the current European champion before the year’s end.
Why was there a dispute over the number of rounds for the rematch?
An administrative error sent two different contracts to the fighters: BOXXER’s version listed 10 rounds, while Cameron’s contract stipulated 12. Negotiations over compensation and contractual rights dragged on until days before the bout, creating what the press dubbed “Roundgate.”
What was the public reaction to the fight’s outcome in Birmingham?
Fans in Birmingham gave Whittaker a roaring ovation, while Cameron earned a chorus of support for his grit. Social media buzz highlighted the knockout as a “statement” performance, and local newspapers called the card a turning point for UK boxing.
What are the next big fights scheduled at bp pulse LIVE?
The venue has confirmed a heavyweight showdown for September 2025 featuring Daniel Dubois and an upcoming mixed‑martial‑arts exhibition in early 2026. Both events are expected to draw international attention.
How did the contractual settlement impact Cameron’s earnings?
Cameron’s team received a reported £150,000 compensation from BOXXER for the contract amendment, covering the loss of two potential round payouts and ensuring his purse remained comparable to the original 12‑round agreement.
