Things got heated as Ben Whittaker and Conor Wallace came face-to-face for the first time before their crunch showdown this Saturday in a Final Eliminator for the IBF Light Heavyweight Title this Saturday – live on DAZN.
A bumper crowd awaits at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena as Team GB Olympic Silver Medallist Whittaker returns to his home city for what is his toughest test to date in a battle to become the No.1 ranked contender to the winner of December’s bout between Unified ruler Dmitry Bivol and Britain’s Callum Smith.
Defending his WBC Silver strap on home soil this weekend, Whittaker was wound up on stage by Wallace and as he warned his rival that he is simply a “stepping stone” in his mission to become king of the 175lbs division.
“I think the difference between me and him [Conor Wallace] is that he’s happy to be here and I meant to be here,” said Whittaker, who has spent just 426 seconds in the ring since making his Matchroom Boxing debut last November having knocked out all three of his last three opponents in double quick time.
Whilst the Andy Lee-trained fighter is ready to get more rounds in, he is determined to ensure Wallace’s night ends early too.
“On Saturday it’s time to show out and show why I am so good,” Whittaker added.
“I know he’s game. I know he’s tough. And he has come here to try and change his life. It’s his World Cup Final. But he’s just a stepping stone for me and I’ve got to show that.
“I’d love to do the rounds – but I’d not love to either. There’s nothing better than knocking people out before you get backstage to eat some Five Guys then chilling out.
“The fans are paying their hard earned, so to get the rounds and look good under the lights to earn my money would be nice as well.
“You know what I bring. I bring the glitz and the glamour every time I step out. This is something different and something special, being back home once again with a massive crowd, so it’s only right that we go one bigger.”
Australian-based Wallace, who arrived in the UK last week, insists he will upset the apple cart this Saturday as he prepares to collide with a “great operator” in Whittaker.
“It’s great to be here in Birmingham,” said Wallace.
“This fight has been brewing for a while and I’m glad it’s finally here. The better the opponent, the better I perform. I’ve shown that throughout my entire career. You will see the best version of Conor Wallace on Saturday night.
“We know that Ben is a great operator and that he’s got a great team with Andy Lee. It will be a hard fight. But I am in the shape of my life, mentally and physically, and I’m looking forward to putting on a great show.
“It’s great to have my support. I love it. I love the big crowds. That drives me on and sometimes Greg [Eadie, Wallace’s trainer] goes a bit mad when I go away from the game plan. But that’s alright. We’ve got a big task ahead and I am ready to execute the game plan.”
Matchroom Boxing’s latest recruit Odel Kamara joins the stacked card as the Super Welterweight sensation from Liverpool makes his eagerly awaited professional debut.
Walsall’s Hamza Uddin battles Sean Bruce for the British & Commonwealth Flyweight Titles, as Bilal Fawaz defends his British & Commonwealth Super Welterweight Titles against Eithan James.
Ibraheem Sulaimaan, meanwhile, meets Sonny Hardy for the English Super Featherweight Title as Aaron Bowen battles Klint Baptiste for the Midlands Area Super Middleweight Title. Plus, rising undefeated young guns Adam Maca and Harley Burrows are in action too.
And promoter Eddie Hearn is excited for what will be Matchroom Boxing’s biggest crowd in the Midlands for over a decade.
“This is a very important month for Matchroom, British boxing and DAZN,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman, Eddie Hearn.
“This Saturday, the headline act is Ben Whittaker against Conor Wallace in a final eliminator for the IBF World Light Heavyweight Championship.
“Of course, the winner of that fight will be the mandatory challenger to the Unified World Title winner that will take place between Dmitry Bivol and Callum Smith in December. There is lots to play for. Conor Wallace was a fantastic amateur and has got a huge support over for him with over 500 coming from Ireland and Australia.
“But he’s coming up against Ben Whittaker, who people are looking at as the new star of world boxing. On Saturday night, you’ll see something different in the arena. You will see that growth.
“This will be the biggest crowd we have had in the Midlands since we had Amir Khan around 10 years ago. It’s a hige night with a huge crowd and so much incredible talent on display.
“We have an English Championship fight, two British Title fights, the professional debut of who I believe will be one of the next future stars of world boxing in Odel Kamara. It will be a brilliant night – live on the Global Home of Boxing, DAZN.”
