Ben Whittaker fight canceled with boxer in wheelchair after being thrown from 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 fell dramatically into the ropes.

Whittaker was the favorite for the fight, which took place in Saudi Arabia, before the highly anticipated clash between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. However, a strange incident in the fifth round caused the fight to be stopped in an unusual way.

The two fighters looked like they were about to come together in a clinch, but ended up flying over the top rope and landing on the edge of the canvas outside the ring. Cameron managed to get up, but Whittaker remained on the ground and was clearly in some discomfort.

The 27-year-old required treatment for an apparent ankle injury and remained lying on his back for several minutes. He was eventually helped back to his corner, with the referee stopping the fight after a period of deliberation.

It went to the judges’ scorecards, rather than being declared a no contest, and the result was given as a split technical draw. Cameron was furious with the result and flailed his arms in frustration, clearly feeling that he should have won the fight.

Meanwhile, Whittaker 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 in the remaining four rounds, with Cameron more than holding his own against the former Olympic medalist.

There was no usual showmanship from Whittaker, who struggled to assert himself throughout much of the competition. He did well to establish control in the first round, but the tide began to turn in the second as Cameron began to enjoy some success.

Cameron, who has already served a drug ban for cocaine, hurt Whittaker on the fourth with a powerful right hand that seemed to take the wind out of his sails. There was more joy for Cameron in the fifth round, before the bizarre incident abruptly ended the fight.

The result marked the first blemish on Whittaker’s professional record after eight previous victories, while Cameron had a major upset victory four months after losing a split decision at the hands of Lyndon Arthur.

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