Ben Whittaker fight cancelled with boxer in wheelchair after being flung out of ring | Boxing | Sport
Ben Whittaker was involved in a bizarre incident in the fifth round of his fight against Liam Cameron in Saudi Arabia. The young Brit, who has gained a reputation for his flamboyant antics, left the ring in a wheelchair after both fighters dramatically tumbled over the ropes.
Whittaker was the favourite heading into the fight, which took place in Saudi Arabia ahead of the highly-anticipated showdown between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. However, a strange incident in the fifth round saw the bout stopped in unusual fashion.
The two fighters looked set to come together in a clinch but ended up flying over the top rope and crashing onto the edge of the canvas outside the ring. Cameron was able to climb to his feet but Whittaker stayed down and was clearly in some discomfort.
The 27-year-old needed treatment for an apparent ankle injury and remained on his back for several minutes. He was eventually helped back to his corner, with Cameron dancing in the middle of the ring under the impression he had won the fight.
It went to the judges’ scorecards rather than being declared a no contest, with referee Victor Loughlin judging it to be an ‘accidental injury’. The result was given as a technical split draw, leaving Cameron furious as he stormed out of the ring in disgust.
Whittaker, meanwhile, was escorted out of the arena in a wheelchair with his left ankle outstretched. He won the first round but was involved in an even fight for the remaining four rounds, with Cameron more than holding his own against the former Olympic medallist.
There was none of the usual showboating from Whittaker, who struggled to impose himself for much of the contest. He did well to establish control in the opening round but the tide began to turn in the second as Cameron started to find some success.
Cameron, who once served a drugs ban for cocaine, hurt Whittaker in the fourth with a powerful right hand which seemed to knock the wind out of his sails. There was more joy for Cameron in the fifth round before the bizarre incident brought the fight to an abrupt end.
The result marked the first blemish on Whittaker’s professional record after eight previous wins, while Cameron was denied a huge upset victory four months after losing a split decision at the hands of Lyndon Arthur.
MORE TO FOLLOW
We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures, and video on this breaking news story.
Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @DExpress_Sport – the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing real news in real-time.
We’re also on Facebook @DailyExpressSport – offering your must-see news, features, videos, and pictures throughout the day to like, comment, and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express, and Express.co.uk.
