Whittaker Survives Late Scare Against Wallace to Win IBF Eliminator

Ben Whittaker survived a torrid final-round scare to edge past Conor Wallace by unanimous decision at Birmingham's Utilita Arena on October 3, claiming victory in an IBF light heavyweight final eliminator that delivered late drama.

The 12-round contest, which also had Whittaker's WBC Silver title on the line, was scored 117-111, 116-112 and 115-113 in the Briton's favour, taking his professional record to 13-0-1. Wallace, now 17-2, will rue what might have been after a stunning final three minutes in which he had Whittaker in real trouble.

The talking point of the night came in the 12th round when Wallace badly hurt Whittaker, sending the Birmingham man to the canvas three times. All three were ruled slips rather than knockdowns, a decision that is sure to divide opinion and keeps Whittaker's unbeaten record intact — but it underlined just how close Wallace came to snatching the result.

Promoter Eddie Hearn was full of praise for both men afterwards, but cautioned that Whittaker is not yet ready for the division's elite. Speaking on October 5, Hearn said Whittaker "needs at least one more interim fight" before challenging the likes of Dmitry Bivol or Callum Smith. Among the potential next opponents floated were Anthony Yarde, the winner of the Buatsi-Hutchinson clash, or a rematch with Wallace after such a competitive night.