Ben Whittaker settles the score with Liam Cameron in two rounds
Plus, Dalton Smith beats Germain, Kovalev’s final KO and Conwell’s upset
Ben Whittaker got the job done on Sunday evening in Birmingham, stopping Liam Cameron in round two of their light-heavyweight grudge match.
Given the controversy of their first meeting in Saudi Arabia, coupled with the question marks around Whittaker’s attitude, plus the fight week rumbles of “round-gate”, it was all set up for a spicy return meeting.
Referee Howard Foster added to the heat by jumping in while Cameron stood, apparently prone against the ropes. He was receiving punishment, but was the stoppage justified at that particular moment? I’m still unsure, having watched it back a few times.
There were a few unsavoury scenes after the knockout, but once everyone calmed down, Whittaker straightened and calm was restored. This was the kind of performance the Boxxer star badly needed. Time to move on for all parties. Everyone has benefited from the controversy and hype generated by this unexpected rivalry and saga.
Dalton Smith set for a world title shot after Mathieu Germain domination
Dalton Smith is now on the verge of a world title shot after outpointing Mathieu Germain over 12 rounds. Next stop is supposedly WBC champion Alberto Puello, who is now believed to be fighting Subriel Matias.
The result of that contest has a major impact on Smith’s future. Both Puello and Matias can set a high-pressure workrate. Would Smith be able to handle that type of offensive output?
The problems Germain posed weren’t sufficient to stop Smith’s charge towards world level. He was too small, couldn’t get into range and struggled with Smith’s punching power. The bigger tests are yet to come. Whether Smith is ready for them, given the tepid level of his opposition, remains to be seen.
Sergey Kovalev bows out in style, scoring a KO win
The long and eventful career of Sergey Kovalev ground to a halt on Friday evening when he enjoyed a seventh-round knockout win over Artur Mann.
Kovalev was a feared destroyer during his pomp. The last thing to go is the power, as Mann found out here. Even though he achieved unified title status, Kovalev’s career is a bit of a what-might-have-been story.
I have issues with both of his fights against Andre Ward. There was talk for a while that his path might cross with Artur Beterbiev. It definitely should’ve crossed with Adonis Stevenson, the long-reigning WBC light-heavyweight champion.
The Russian had a few unsavoury incidents outside of the ropes and was a ruthless finisher inside of them. Kovalev showed signs of tiring at times against Mann, but his power shone through.
A stronger, more resilient opponent might’ve stood up to Kovalev, which is why retirement is the best option for the 42-year-old former title holder.
Gabriela Fundora beats up Badillo
Over in California, undisputed flyweight champion Gabriela Fundora laid a beating on mandatory challenger (for the IBF) Marilyn Badillo. The smaller woman was stopped in round seven as Fundora moves on to try and find a meaningful challenger. That will come at the higher weights. She will likely move up to seek out new faces.
On the undercard, Charles Conwell’s long wait for a world title shot will have to go on a little longer. The former Olympian had racked up 21 wins and promoter Golden Boy provided Jorge Garcia Perez as a final stepping stone to world level.
Perez flipped the script and outworked Conwell over 12 rounds to take an unexpected yet deserved victory. Perez reckons he’ll be the man to move forward to face Sebastian Fundora, sometime later in the year.
Image Credit: Sky Sports, Matchroom promotional and Golden Boy promotional.
About Steve…
Current existence: Online editor at Boxing News Magazine.
Previous lives: Author (8 books), podcaster (500+ eps), scriptwriter for Motivedia channel, newspaper journalist, copywriter & educator.
Contact: stevenwellings1982@gmail.com