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Ben Whittaker showcased his boxing prowess with a commanding win over Ezra Arenyeka at Selhurst Park on Saturday. Despite Arenyeka's unsportsmanlike conduct, including a headbutt in the sixth round and an elbow to the face in the seventh, Whittaker maintained control, securing a unanimous decision victory with scores of 100-89, 99-90, and 99-90.
Whittaker, who entered the ring backed by an orchestra, demonstrated his superior technique and tactical precision, outclassing Arenyeka from the start. The Olympian's skill and composure were evident as he delivered flurries of jabs, overhand rights, and perfectly timed uppercuts. Arenyeka's attempts to rattle Whittaker fell short, as he found himself on the receiving end of a relentless assault.
Arenyeka, who had secured his spot on the stage by gate-crashing Whittaker's press conference, struggled to keep up with Whittaker's pace and accuracy. The bout, marked by Whittaker's dominance, saw Arenyeka occasionally trying to engage in theatrics, but ultimately succumbing to Whittaker's relentless offense.
Whittaker's victory lifts his professional record to 8-0 and sets the stage for more significant challenges ahead. He remains focused on his rise through the light-heavyweight ranks, eyeing potential main events later in the year.
For Arenyeka, this might represent the biggest stage he will taste in his career. For Whittaker, it’s just the beginning of a promising journey, with far bigger, glitzier days on the horizon.