Ben Whittaker vows to continue showboating in bid to replace Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua as the face of boxing

06/02/2024 13:06

Ben Whittaker is refusing to listen to his critics as he vowed to continue to showboat – even when he steps up levels.

The 26-year-old divided opinion on Saturday night as he danced his way to another highlight reel knockout in his victory over Khalid Graidia.

Known for his theatrics, the Tokyo 2020 silver medallist improved his perfect record to 6-0, though some fans accused him of being disrespectful to his 41-year-old opponent.

It was a view rejected by Whittaker during his appearance on the talkSPORT Breakfast Show on Tuesday morning.

He said: “I’ve been doing it my whole career, so I usually get the job done, go back, eat, wake up and it’s a normal day.

“But I don’t know what happened the other night, it blew up, but that’s what sport is about – splitting opinions – everybody gets their own opinions, and that’s what we like.

“[I was] definitely not [being disrespectful], my mum and dad brought me up well, I know right from wrong.

“But this is sport, this is entertainment, I don’t belittle the opponent, I don’t swear about him, and after the fight I congratulate him.

“But when we’re in there, we’ve both got a job to do, and sadly that’s my style, it’s frustrating, but I get the job done.”

Pressed by host Jeff Stelling at whether he will keep showboating when he inevitably steps up, Whittaker remarked: “Of course and that’s what I’m excited to show.

“It’s all about progression in this game and getting there and staying there, and when I do get there and showboat against the so-called best at the weight category, that’s what I’m excited to show.”

Whittaker’s promoter Ben Shalom joined the light-heavyweight on air, where he insisted the fighter will soon replace Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua as the face of boxing.

Commented on Whittaker’s antics, he stated: “It’s a dream to be honest, he’s had six fights, people forget, they expect a lot from him.

“Obviously [he’s an] Olympic silver medallist, big expectations, but from six fights in to be creating this much noise in the boxing world…

“I remember when we sat down before he debuted and the vision was very clear – to become the face of boxing – never mind British boxing.”

Asked how far he can go, Shalom said: “All the way! He’s the most talented fighter I’ve seen and worked with.

“Ben’s very early on [in his career], yes he’s got to keep his feet on the ground, but talent-wise, there’s no glass ceiling.

“We should be very excited, when we’ve got Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury coming towards the end of their career, who’s going to be the face of boxing?

“Who’s going to keep boxing relevant and on the front and back pages?

“In my opinion it’ll be Ben Whittaker within the next five years.”