George Groves questions Ben Whittaker’s knockout power after tough win over Conor Wallace
Ben Whittaker secured a unanimous decision in Birmingham and an IBF mandatory spot for Dmitry Bivol, but George Groves has suggested recent stoppages may have overstated Whittaker’s punching power.
Ben Whittaker’s unanimous decision win over Conor Wallace in Birmingham earned him the IBF mandatory position for Dmitry Bivol, yet the manner of the victory has prompted questions. Former super-middleweight George Groves said on his YouTube channel that Whittaker’s recent knockout streak might be ‘a tiny bit generous’ and may not reflect truly destructive power. Against Wallace, who repeatedly answered punches and forced sustained exchanges, the 29-year-old Olympic silver medallist struggled at times and needed a busy final round to see out the win. The performance has reignited debate about Whittaker’s progression and the level of opposition he has faced.
Groves: recent stoppages may overstate Whittaker’s power
George Groves raised doubts about Ben Whittaker’s recent knockout sequence on his YouTube channel after the Birmingham contest. Groves said: “The knockout wins of late – are they a tiny bit generous in what they now spell? Maybe he’s not the murderous puncher that the record suggests.” That assessment came after a bout in which Whittaker could not simply rely on speed and clean punching to control exchanges, and where an opponent who kept answering questions ultimately forced him into a competitive, drawn-out contest.
Whittaker wins unanimous decision but is tested by Wallace
Whittaker collected a unanimous decision in Birmingham against Conor Wallace and, as Boxing News 24 reported, secured the IBF mandatory position for Dmitry Bivol. Against Wallace, the 29-year-old Olympic silver medallist faced an opponent who refused to be finished early and repeatedly stayed in range to trade. The report notes that Whittaker’s reliance on movement and accurate punching was less effective when Wallace threw alongside him, and a frenetic final round left Whittaker appearing desperate to preserve the victory.
Showcase route criticised as insufficient preparation
Boxing News 24 notes that Matchroom and Boxxer repeatedly put Whittaker in showcase fights that let him show movement and finish with punches but offered limited tests of sustained resistance. Opponents such as Braian Nahuel Suarez — who had lost three of his previous six fights — and Richard Rivera — coming off roughly 17 months out with wins over Roger Guerrero and Devaun Lee — offered modest resistance. Their records entering those fights were cited as 17–8–1 and 11–11–1, respectively, as evidence that Whittaker’s earlier stoppages did not necessarily prove readiness for tougher, continuous pressure.
Warning signs from earlier meetings and what remains to change
The report points to a previous meeting with Liam Cameron as an earlier warning. Before both fighters went over the ropes in that contest, Whittaker was struggling with Cameron’s pressure, though the fall and subsequent injury dominated attention afterwards. Against Wallace, the issue returned: landing first did not prevent Whittaker from being hit in return, and his upright retreats and reliance on holding were described as liabilities. Retreating toward the ropes reduced his room to escape. While Whittaker has earned the mandatory shot position, Boxing News 24 concluded that Wallace’s performance underlined how much work remains before a potential fight with Bivol.