Liam Cameron is a man transformed since his controversial draw with rising star Ben Whittaker last October. That first encounter was expected to be a routine win for Whittaker, but Cameron had other ideas, pushing the Olympic silver medallist to his limits before the fight ended in chaos.
Whittaker started the bout sharply, showcasing his usual flair and speed, but Cameron’s relentless pressure and body shots began to wear his opponent down. As the rounds progressed, Cameron found more success and seemed to be edging ahead in the contest. However, late in the fifth round, the fight took a dramatic turn.
In a clinch near the ropes, both fighters tumbled over the top rope and crashed to the floor outside the ring. Whittaker injured his right ankle in the fall and was unable to continue. The bout was then ruled a split-decision draw via the scorecards — a result that sparked debate and criticism across the boxing world.
Whittaker faced online backlash, with some accusing him of exaggerating the injury to avoid further punishment. Cameron, reflecting on the moment, told BoxingScene: “He grabbed me, pulled me over, and that’s all she wrote. He swung his head back and nearly broke my head. I heard, ‘Stay down Ben, you don’t want to continue,’ when he was on the floor.”
Now, the rematch is set for this Sunday at BP Live in Birmingham, England — and anticipation is building.
Cameron expects a stronger and sharper version of Whittaker but remains confident. “A very good one, because that’s all I can expect,” he said. “Anything less than that is a bonus to me.”
Since their first fight in Riyadh, Cameron’s life has taken a significant turn. The payday from that bout allowed him to change his lifestyle — both physically and financially. The 34-year-old has revamped his appearance and is eyeing another breakthrough moment.
“[My life has changed] massively, and it’s going to change even more,” Cameron said. “Birmingham Live, it’s mad to see my face, mad. Another big massive paycheck. I’ll be having cars and yachts and everything I’m already missing.”
Despite his newfound success, Cameron insists he remains grounded.
“I bought some £30 Under Armour running trainers the other day,” he joked. “I’m still a tight fucker.”
Now with renewed motivation and a second shot at Whittaker, Cameron believes Sunday could be the night he finally secures the career-defining win he’s been chasing.
Photo: Richard Pelham/Getty Images
