BEN WHITTAKER might grow to be the newest identify to affix the rising listing of fighters to field in Saudi Arabia.
Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s Normal Leisure Authority, is believed to be a fan of the British light-heavyweight. Boxxer, who presently promote Whittaker, haven’t been concerned with the boxing increase within the Center East which has seen the likes of Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Deontay Wilder battle there in current months.
Whittaker returns to the ring on June 15 towards Nigerian Ezra Arenyeka. Their 10-round contest takes place outdoor at Selhurst Park, the house of Crystal Palace FC, on a card headlined by the WBO cruiserweight title battle between Chris Billam-Smith and Richard Riakporhe.
At yesterday’s press convention, Boxing Information requested Whittaker if we would see him battle in Saudi Arabia someday.
“100 per cent,” he enthused.
“I feel that’s the place the big-time boxing goes now. And [with] big-time boxing you bought to say my identify. I’m solely seven fights in however I deliver lots of razzmatazz. It’s what individuals need to see particularly out in Saudi. [It’s] one thing that we are able to undoubtedly see within the close to future however for now [I’ve] acquired to deal with what’s subsequent.”
What’s subsequent is a problem towards a fellow unbeaten 175lb fighter who’s loud, brash, in your face and assured. Throughout a press convention for Whittaker’s final battle – towards Leon Willings – Arenyeka interrupted proceedings, calling out the “The Surgeon” whereas making to look a reputation for himself. He now has the prospect to trigger one of many greatest upsets of the yr. So, why did Whittaker comply with the battle?
“The [WBA Gold] belt is there. It got here with him, and I stated, ‘why not.’ He got here into the press convention, noticed his alternative. I’m going to indicate why he shouldn’t do this once more.”
