Ben Whittaker delivered a sharp response to his critics with a dominant second-round stoppage of Liam Cameron in Birmingham, reclaiming control of their rivalry and retaining his IBF International light heavyweight title in dramatic fashion.

The bout, staged at the BP pulse LIVE Arena, marked the culmination of a six-month saga that began with controversy in Riyadh. Their first encounter ended bizarrely when both fighters tumbled through the ropes, resulting in a technical draw that many believed favoured Whittaker. This time, the Olympic silver medallist made sure the judges wouldn’t be needed.

Whittaker (10-0-1, 7 KOs), now under the guidance of trainer Andy Lee, came out composed but purposeful. Cameron (23-8-1, 10 KOs), undeterred by his underdog status, made a spirited start, but Whittaker’s precision and hand speed quickly took control. A measured first round set the tone, with the Wolverhampton man dictating the pace behind a sharp jab and well-timed counters.

The fight’s turning point came swiftly in the second round. A looping right hand from Whittaker caught Cameron flush, causing his legs to buckle. With the Sheffield veteran pinned to the ropes and unable to return fire, referee Howard Foster had seen enough, stepping in at 1:53 of the round to end the contest.

Whittaker’s performance was clinical, and while his post-fight celebration sparked brief controversy—highlighted by a heated exchange with Cameron’s corner—he later extended an olive branch with a gesture of respect inside the ring.

This win not only avenges the frustrating draw but also re-establishes Whittaker’s standing in the light heavyweight division. The 27-year-old had faced intense scrutiny following the Saudi Arabia clash, with some questioning his grit and durability after exiting the ring in a wheelchair. Sunday night’s emphatic win put those doubts to bed.

With notable figures like Marcus Rashford and Leon Edwards watching ringside, and Whittaker’s star power growing both in and out of the ring, this performance may mark the beginning of a new chapter for “The Surgeon.” Now unbeaten in ten outings, Whittaker is expected to chase bigger names and higher stakes, with world title ambitions clearly in sight.

For a fighter once accused of showboating more than slugging, Ben Whittaker proved he’s got the substance to match the style—something no one can question after this statement victory.