Ben Whittaker is at the centre of the media attention due to his flamboyant showboating. While some critics have labeled his boxing style as disrespectful to his opponents, Whittaker maintains that his actions are simply a reflection of his confidence and love for the sport.
From the moment Whittaker steps into the ring, his larger-than-life persona captivates audiences worldwide. His flashy entrances, complete with dance moves and theatrical gestures, set the stage for the spectacle that is about to unfold.
Once the bell rings, Whittaker’s performance truly begins. He effortlessly weaves and bobs, taunting his opponents with his lightning-fast footwork and precision punches.
Just take Saturday night’s fight against Khalid Gradia for example. Whittaker swayed from side to side and hoped around on one leg before extending professional record to 6-0 by securing a fifth-round stoppage.
Some fans feel his actions are disrespectful, interpreting them as a sign of arrogance or disdain for his challengers. However, Whittaker sees it differently. He says the showboating helps him find his ‘rhythm’ and ‘express himself’.
Ben Whittaker has found himself at the center of media attention due to his showboating
Whittaker, who claimed a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics , extended his professional record to 6-0 after securing a fifth-round stoppage against Khalid Gradia
However, Whittaker decided to complete a 360 degree spin on one leg while taunting his opponent and his actions did not sit well with referee Sean McAvoy
Whittaker went on to speak about how he likes to entertain the fans and add an extra element of excitement to the sport, claiming those in the crowd will be thinking ‘if it was a little bit closer he could have been clipped’.
Speaking to Mail Sport about his showboating, Whittaker said: ‘It gets me in that rhythm and gets me in that flow. When I am in that flow, it’s very hard to beat me to be honest.
‘It [the showboating] it part of the tactic as well. There is a reason I am doing it. So, there is method to the madness I would say.
‘My moves also bring entertainment to the fans as they’ll be thinking, if it was a little bit closer he could have clipped him. But, that’s what we love about boxing.
‘Do people around him try to stop him from doing it: A bit of both really. Of course they would rather me go in there with save hands and get the job done.
‘But, they know the other side of me. They know I have always done that since I was a little boy and that I want to do that.
‘My dad is my dad. He doesn’t want me to get hit at all. So he was thinking, please don’t do that. Just get through the fight.
‘But, after the fight, he [my dad[ watched some of the highlights and went yeah that is pretty sick – I like what you were doing there.’
While some critics have labeled his boxing style as disrespectful to his opponents, Whittaker maintains that his actions are simply a reflection of his confidence and love for the sport
Whittaker’s antics have only served to elevate his status in the sport, drawing in new fans who are drawn to his magnetic personality and unapologetic confidence
Indeed, Whittaker’s antics have only served to elevate his status in the sport, drawing in new fans who are drawn to his magnetic personality and unapologetic confidence.
His social media following has exploded, with millions of followers eagerly awaiting his next post-fight celebration or behind-the-scenes glimpse into his training regimen.
Just 24 hours after his fight with Gradia, Whittaker had gained 100,000 new followers. He also had 15million video views on a Instagram clip of his showboating and over 3million views on his KO clip.
However, one person who was not impressed with Whittaker’s showboating was referee Sean McAvoy. He told both men to stop boxing and called Whittaker into the corner to give him a dressing down.
He told the Brit to stop messing around and issued the 26-year-old a formal warning. But, Whittaker took very little notice of McAvoy’s comments and decided to carry on showboating.
When asked what the referee had said to him, Whittaker told Mail Sport: ‘If I am honest, it went a little through one ear and out the other ear. I’m not being rude but I was just focused on the fight.
‘I was also thinking, I didn’t really do anything that wrong or that bad really. I span around but the opponent was no where near me.
‘It’s part of the game, I can’t please everyone. I am sure the referee was just trying to do his job but online he’s had a bit more stick than I have.’
Despite excessively showboating, Whittaker is known for his sportsmanship and camaraderie, often sharing friendly exchanges with his rivals and offering words of encouragement and support. That’s why it annoys him went be question his motives.
Despite excessively showboating, Whittaker is known for his sportsmanship and camaraderie, often sharing friendly exchanges with his rivals and offering words of support
‘It annoys me when people call my boxing style disrespectful. That’s the last thing I think I am truthfully. I always speak to the opponent afterwards, we always congratulate each other’, Whittaker said.
‘It’s just part of the sport you know. I never f-and-blind. I don’t belittle them. It’s just fighting at the end of the day and that’s my style. But, everyone is entitled to their opinion and that’s why we love boxing.’
Whittaker went on to say his ADHD is a contributing factor to his showboating. He told Mail Sport: ‘I think it might be ADHA at times you know. It goes a bit crazy and I start doing a bit too much at times.
‘If you come and watch me do pads, sparring or even watch some of my old amateur fights when nobody was there, I did it there.
‘I think it’s just my style of boxing. It’s my way to express myself. A way to get into my rhythm. When I do it, I feel like I could beat anyone.
‘It’s just my style, it’s not disrespectful or anything. It’s just a different type of boxing that no one has seen before.’
As Whittaker continues to rise through the ranks of the boxing world, his showboating may continue to be a topic of debate among fans and pundits. But for Whittaker, the most important thing is staying true to himself and continuing to entertain the fans who have supported him every step of the way.
As long as he’s bringing joy to those watching, he’s more than happy to let his flashy style speak for itself and promises to never told showboating – no matter who he is facing!
‘The good thing about me is there is so many things I can do. I am only showing you one thing at the moment. I did it in the Olympics, I did it as a little kid, I have done it against other pros. But, like I said, there are other things to me.
‘I can come forwards and I can put up a good fight. It showed in the last fight that I can hurt people, I can hit hard and if I really need to, I can stick to a game plan.
‘Whenever that moment comes [sticking to the game plan], it will come but for the moment I am enjoying having a dance and I won’t stop that no matter who I face.’