Who is Ben Whittaker, the boxer who goes viral every time he fights?

Ben Whittaker is as divisive as they come. Clearly talented, he prides himself on being a wind-up artist who taunts and humiliates his opponents in the ring. From his Olympic heartbreak to his rapid rise in the professional ranks, Whittaker has a knack for going viral, and his swagger, his showmanship, and his drive make him a magnet for headlines. Whittaker, with his slick moves, showboating antics, and undeniable talent, goes viral with nearly every fight. But there’s more to him than just flash and style.

Whittaker’s journey started long before he began making waves in the pro scene. As an amateur, he already stood out. A two-time national champion in Britain, he quickly became a key figure in England’s and Team GB’s squads. His early achievements, like winning gold at the 2018 EU Championships in Valladolid, marked him as a rising star. But like many boxers, his career wasn’t always smooth sailing. Despite winning silver at the 2019 European Games and bronze at the 2019 World Championships, Whittaker always seemed to be chasing that elusive top spot.

Then came Tokyo 2020. The Olympics were postponed a year due to the pandemic, and Whittaker went in with high hopes. He fought his way to the final, only to be bested by Cuba’s Arlen López. It was a tough loss, and it showed. On the podium, Whittaker pocketed his silver medal instead of wearing it around his neck. “You don’t win silver, you lose gold,” he famously said, expressing a deep disappointment that overshadowed the achievement.

Since then, Whittaker has turned pro, and his professional career has taken off like a rocket. He’s now 8-0, with three knockouts, and his performance in the ring is as captivating as his antics outside it. His debut against Greg O’Neil in Bournemouth ended with a second-round knockout, setting the tone for what was to come. Shortly after, he found himself fighting abroad in Saudi Arabia, getting a unanimous decision victory against Petar Nosic on the undercard of the Usyk-Joshua rematch.

Whittaker doesn’t just win fights; he steals the spotlight. His knockout of Khalid Graidia at London’s OVO Arena in early 2024 turned him into a viral sensation. With a blend of power, precision, and showmanship, he’s constantly putting on a performance that fans can’t get enough of. “I’ve been doing this style since I was a kid,” Whittaker said. “Out of nowhere, my socials all went crazy.”

Whittaker’s style - taunting his opponents, dancing around punches, and pulling off playful moves in the middle of a fight - draws comparisons to legends like Prince Naseem Hamed. Hamed was known for his flamboyant approach, both inside and outside the ring, and Whittaker seems to be cut from the same cloth. He admits he loves getting under his opponent’s skin. “If I’m honest, I’m a wind-up merchant. I just love it,” he said. “I love seeing people get angry in the ring.”

But this style isn’t to everyone’s taste. During his fight against Graidia, the referee had to intervene and warn him to tone it down. Whittaker responded with his usual cheek: “I did have a bit of chewing gum on my foot that I was trying to get off,” he quipped, playing off his antics with humor. The crowd loved it, and every time the referee stopped the showboating, the audience booed.

However, Whittaker knows that at the end of the day, it’s about the fight itself. And he can fight. His unbeaten record speaks for itself, and though his last two bouts against Leon Willings and Eworitse Ezra Arenyeka went the distance, his confidence hasn’t wavered. As he prepares for his clash with Liam Cameron in Riyadh, he’s in bullish form, fully expecting to continue his rise.

Looking ahead, the question isn’t whether Whittaker can keep winning - it’s who he’ll fight next. A potential match with Chris Eubank Jr. has been floated, and Whittaker isn’t shy about the prospect. “If the money’s there, sign me up,” he said. He believes he has the upper hand: “I’m bigger, I’m younger, I’m fresher.”

Whittaker’s blend of talent, charisma, and boldness has made him one of the most exciting fighters to watch. Whether you love or hate his style, one thing is for sure: Ben Whittaker isn’t going away anytime soon. He’s on a mission, and with every fight, he’s proving that he’s not just a boxer - he’s a showman, a performer, and, above all, a winner.