Ben Whittaker and Conor Wallace face off ahead of IBF eliminator

Ben Whittaker and Conor Wallace engaged in a heated face-off ahead of their IBF light heavyweight final eliminator this Saturday at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena. The bout, broadcast live on DAZN, serves as a critical step for the winner to become the top contender for a potential title fight involving Dmitry Bivol and Callum Smith.

Whittaker, an Olympic silver medalist defending his WBC Silver strap, described Wallace as a “stepping stone” in his pursuit of the 175lbs division title. Despite the tension during the press event, Whittaker expressed enthusiasm for the fight and noted his desire to provide a high-quality performance for the fans.

Amidst the buildup, Whittaker also addressed the potential attendance of UFC President Dana White. Whittaker welcomed the possibility of White being ringside, despite the ongoing professional rivalry between White and Whittaker’s promoter, Matchroom Boxing. While Whittaker holds a long-term contract with Matchroom, his comments regarding the interest from rival promoters have drawn attention to his rising profile in the sport.