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Debate

Did Whittaker really want out, or is Cameron just making excuses for the draw?

The public expected an action-packed performance from the Ben Whittaker vs. Liam Cameron fight. However, they received a rather disappointing outcome, as ‘The Surgeon’ collided and collapsed over the top ropes in the fifth round of their fight at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 

Just when it seemed like the 33-year-old started to turn the tide of the fight in his direction, at the end of round five, both fighters fell out of the ring, Royal Rumble-style, onto the apron which left Whittaker with a leg injury unable to stand. Whittaker was eventually taken away on a stretcher. This resulted in the fight being declared a split-decision draw.

One judge saw the fight 58-57 tipping in Whittaker’s favor, while the second gave it to Cameron by the same margin. Meanwhile, the third judge scored the fight a 58-58 draw. This was a frustrating end for both fighters, but the 33-year-old seems to have been affected the most, who claimed Whittaker opted not to fight. 

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“He didn’t want [it] no more. He was very tired. He gave me his last 30 seconds, and he had nothing left,” Cameron said in the post-fight interview with DAZN Boxing. “I definitely beat him. I don’t get a fair share, I got a split decision in my last fight and a draw this one… I did my best today and I thought I did enough to win.”

When he was asked whether Ben Whittaker was trying to get out of the fight, Cameron said, “Yeah, 100 percent, you can see it on camera.” While it’s unlikely that the decision will be reversed, all he can now hope for is a rematch. However, the question is—will that be possible? 

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Ben Whittaker vs. Liam Cameron 2

What’s your perspective on:

Did Whittaker really want out, or is Cameron just making excuses for the draw?

Have an interesting take?

Cameron entered the fight as a significant underdog but defied all expectations with a standout performance. Considering the nature of the fight’s end, there’s quite the chatter for a rematch to settle the score. However, that will depend on the recovery time for Whittaker’s injury.

via Reuters

Given how Cameron gained momentum in the later rounds, Ben Whittaker might want to take extra time to refine his strategy. While Whittaker’s camp has yet to confirm a rematch, any potential bout is unlikely to happen before mid-2025.

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That being said, Liam Cameron is clearly unhappy with how the fight turned out to be, especially after he started gaining momentum shortly before it ended. Do you think Cameron can win in their rematch? Would you like to see a rematch?