When Ben Whittaker takes the stage, it is all the time an eventful one.
On the undercard of Chris Billam-Smith v Richard Riakporha at Selhurst Park on Saturday, he packing containers ‘King of Africa’ Ezra Arenijeka, stay Sky Sports activities.
From the beginning, the build-up to their contest was vicious. Whittaker is a widely known Olympic silver medalist, whereas Arenjeka, regardless of an undefeated document of 12-0 (10), was largely unknown till he immediately confronted Whittaker earlier than his final combat.
Maybe in opposition to his higher judgment, Whittaker determined to offer him that likelihood on June 15.
“Truthful play, good popularity, he got here via the door kicking and screaming. However that is in all probability the one time I’ll settle for one thing like this. Since you do not need to maintain doing that and individuals are going to maintain operating for his or her alternatives.. On the finish of the day, you need to work for the place,” Whittaker stated. Sky Sports activities.
“It simply made sense right here.”
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Whittaker was embroiled in a wild brawl with Arenjeka forward of their conflict at Selhurst Park
However he totally intends to show Areniek a lesson. “That is what we’re attempting to say – watch out what you ask for,” he stated. “Once I go on the market and do what I can, that is an announcement in itself.
“If I field the way in which I field, then this type is particular person for me.”
He famous Arenieka’s apparent confidence and reacted sharply when his opponent lunged at him after they weighed in on Friday.
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Whittaker launched a scathing verbal assault on Arenjeka and warned that Saturday’s combat will get “scarier and scarier”
Whittaker warned: “I can stand and combat if I’ve to. I can transfer and field after I have to. I can combine it up. Good factor I can do some little bit of each. He can solely do one factor, and if he tries to field me, will probably be even worse. His sport plan could be to work in opposition to me and hope for one of the best.
“On the finish of the day, will probably be like his World Cup last, so his first spherical can be his finest spherical. However being in that state of affairs, the massive enviornment, the massive combat, all of it performs a component, and I will use my expertise to ensure it simply blows him away.”
The Wolverhampton fighter can mix frantic defensive strikes with vicious strikes in addition to his now well-known show.
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Whittaker confirmed off a couple of dance strikes earlier than texting Areniecza
Touchdown on it, Whittaker says, is “simpler stated than achieved.”
“It would appear like I can hit him with this, hit him with that,” he continued. “[I’m] simply throwing punches places you in vary they usually slide proper previous your whisker. It’s an artwork in itself. Few folks can do this at such shut vary.
“[Previous opponent Khalid] Graidia is definitely quick, whereas this child is a bit slower, so I may need loads of time to make myself a cup of tea whereas I am at it.”
These shortcomings in Arenieki’s boxing, Whittaker warns, can be punished. “I’ve undoubtedly proven that if I’ve to, I can kill them and damage them,” he stated.
“However my magnificence is my boxing IQ, my boxing abilities, when you have got that, you possibly can take them to punches that they do not even see.”
Final tickets accessible for Billam Smith vs Riakporje through Boxxer.com.
Watch Chris Billam-Smith defend his WBO world heavyweight title in opposition to Richard Riakporhe at Selhurst Park Crystal Palace, stay on Sky Sports activities on Saturday 15 June; or Stream from NOW