The rematch between Ben Whittaker and Liam Cameron carries more than just competitive stakes — it comes steeped in controversy, unfinished business, and contrasting career narratives. Their first encounter in Saudi Arabia ended in confusion and frustration, with both fighters tumbling out of the ring in a bizarre moment that effectively sealed a draw. While Whittaker claimed injury, no concrete evidence ever surfaced, leaving a cloud of doubt hanging over the result.

Now, with tensions still simmering and the spotlight firmly back on them, the two meet again — this time in Whittaker’s backyard of Birmingham. And while the location has changed, the stakes are even higher.

Whittaker, undoubtedly the more polished and athletically gifted of the two, has made adjustments. Most notably, he’s brought new trainer Andy Lee into his camp, signaling a desire to reset, refocus, and remove the asterisk from his record. On paper, if he maintains discipline, keeps the fight at range, and sticks to his slick boxing fundamentals, this could — and arguably should — be a straightforward night.

For all the chaos surrounding their first fight, it’s easy to forget just how naturally gifted Whittaker is. An Olympic silver medalist with elite-level footwork and reflexes, he moves with a fluidity few in the domestic scene can match. His timing and shot selection — particularly his ability to counter off the back foot — make him a dangerous opponent when he’s in rhythm.

He may not possess single punch knockout power, but Whittaker doesn’t need to. His precision, range control, and defensive sharpness allow him to pick off rounds and frustrate aggressive fighters. If he can stay composed and avoid the emotional pitfalls that have tripped him up before, this is a fight he’s fully capable of winning on his own terms.

The first fight just threw up too many red flags to ignore:

First, Whittaker simply doesn’t seem to have the power to deter Cameron. That much was evident in their first clash — he couldn’t keep Cameron off him, and the Sheffield fighter walked through most of what was thrown his way.

Second, the pressure of performing at home can often be a double-edged sword. There’s every chance Whittaker will look to make a statement, to win emphatically and erase the memory of the draw. But that desire could drag him into the same trap as before — a gritty, close-quarters battle that favors Cameron. And if that happens again, the outcome may not be as inconclusive.

Cameron, meanwhile, is a fighter whose record tells only part of the story. Even in defeat, he’s proven he belongs at a higher level than Whittaker has yet reached. Just look at his split decision loss to Lyndon Arthur — a fighter who had gone the distance with the now-undisputed light-heavyweight king, Dmitry Bivol. That performance, when used as a measuring stick, paints Cameron in a very strong light.

He’s also taken no shortcuts in preparation. Since the first fight, Cameron has remained in the gym, and recent photos training alongside Dalton Smith suggest a man in top physical condition. This isn’t just another fight for Cameron — it’s a second chance at something career-defining. A win here could change everything.

More than just a clash of styles, this fight is a test of temperament. Whittaker has the skills to win cleanly, but his tendency to fight with emotion — especially under pressure — could once again open the door for Cameron. And if anyone in British boxing has ever deserved a win more than Liam Cameron, you’d be hard-pressed to find them.

Winner – Liam Cameron

Method of Victory – Points Decision

Odds/Return: 6/1 bet365; £10 returns £70

Whittaker has all the tools to box his way to victory — but whether he’ll use them consistently over ten rounds is another matter. 

Under pressure, and especially in front of a home crowd baying for dominance, Whittaker may once again fall into the trap of fighting fire with fire. If he abandons his natural rhythm and flashy style to impress — trading in his counter-punching precision for toe-to-toe exchanges — he plays directly into Cameron’s hands. We’ve seen this script before in the first fight.

Cameron, by contrast, will stay composed in the pocket, and has the stamina to make every round a test. Over the distance, it’s his grit and relentlessness that could prove decisive.

Expect Whittaker to start well — but fade as the fight becomes more physical. Cameron to edge it on points, perhaps via a split decision in a closely contested rematch.