Ben Whittaker’s path to a world title fight could go through Conor Wallace. According to Wallace’s promoter, an IBF eliminator is on the horizon.
Ben Whittaker could soon take the next step toward the world championship. According to Mick Francis, Conor Wallace’s promoter, the IBF will soon order an eliminator between the two light heavyweights.
Whittaker, who is ranked third in the IBF rankings, most recently impressed with a second-round knockout of Richard Rivera. The Olympic silver medalist is actually scheduled to step back into the ring in Birmingham in early October. Anthony Yarde and Craig Richards have been considered as possible opponents so far.
Now, Conor Wallace could be waiting for him instead. The Australian is ranked second in the IBF world rankings and recently earned a spot in a world title eliminator with an early victory over Walter Gabriel Sequeira.
Whether Whittaker will accept the eliminator, however, remains to be seen. IBF world champion Dmitry Bivol just completed his mandatory title defense in May and is scheduled to face Callum Smith first, following his injury. Wallace’s promoter remains optimistic, however: “Conor has been waiting a long time for this opportunity. It’s a fight he really wants—and one we can win.”
Text by Robin Josten