Whittaker picks up questionable stoppage in Cameron rematch

Ben Whittaker avenged last year’s draw with Liam Cameron, though the outcome is sure to raise just as much controversy

The pre-fight controversy over whether they were scheduled for 10 or 12 rounds proved inconsequential in Ben Whittaker’s and Liam Cameron’s rematch, as Whittaker snapped a three-fight stoppage drought with a second-round finish.

Whittaker (9-0-1, 6 KO), who was fortunate to escape with a technical draw in their first meeting, cracked Cameron (23-7-1, 10 KO) with a gnarly pull counter before swarming his foe in the corner. Though the first couple body shots landed clean, Cameron put on the earmuffs and appeared to catch the majority of Whittaker’s head shots, only for Howard Foster to stop it standing.

To be clear, I will always prefer an early stoppage over a late one and that initial right hand absolutely rattled Cameron to his boots. I’ll also acknowledge that I’m no fan of Whittaker’s antics, a fact reinforced by his leaning through the ropes and screaming at Cameron’s corner in the aftermath. That said, Whittaker was not getting through Cameron’s guard when the referee intervened; I simply do not see how the latter was in immediate danger.

At the end of the day, it goes in the books as Whittaker’s first win under the tutelage of Andy Lee. I just hope Queensberry gives Cameron more opportunities going forward.