Ben Shalom has confirmed that the highly anticipated rematch between Ben Whittaker and Liam Cameron was indeed a 10-round contest, following earlier disputes over contract negotiations. The bout, a crucial light-heavyweight clash, aimed to settle the score after their dramatic first encounter.
Cameron had shared on TalkSport that he had initially agreed to a 12-round contest but was then informed by Boxxer that the fight would not include the championship rounds, stating that the rival promotion was looking to silence him. This contractual confusion added another layer of intrigue to an already heated rivalry.
The pair ultimately faced off at the Resorts World Arena, Birmingham, on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, with both fighters keen to claim the bragging rights following the controversial ending to their first encounter in Saudi Arabia. The rematch was a pivotal moment for both men, with Whittaker looking to solidify his rising star status and Cameron seeking to prove his mettle against the Olympic silver medalist.
The Controversial First Encounter in Saudi Arabia
The initial clash between Ben Whittaker and Liam Cameron took place on October 12, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as part of the undercard for the Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol undisputed light-heavyweight title fight. Whittaker, an Olympic silver medalist known for his flamboyant style and undefeated professional record, entered the ring as a significant favourite. Cameron, a more seasoned professional with a record of 23 wins, 6 losses, and 1 draw at the time, was seen by many as a stepping stone for Whittaker.
However, the fight proved to be anything but straightforward. Cameron, adopting a gritty, aggressive approach, began to trouble Whittaker, particularly in the middle rounds. The contest reached a bizarre and dramatic conclusion in the fifth round when both fighters, locked in a clinch, tumbled over the top rope and out of the ring. Whittaker sustained an injury, reportedly to his ankle or leg, and was unable to continue. The bout was subsequently declared a technical split draw, with the judges’ scorecards at the time reading 58-57 for Whittaker, 58-57 for Cameron, and 58-58. Whittaker was seen leaving the arena in a wheelchair, while Cameron expressed frustration, believing he was on his way to victory and that Whittaker had looked for “a way out”. This contentious ending immediately fueled calls for a rematch.
Contractual Disputes and Promoter’s Apology
The lead-up to the highly anticipated rematch was marred by further controversy surrounding the agreed-upon number of rounds. Liam Cameron’s camp asserted that they had initially received a contract for a 12-round fight, a distance Cameron, with his greater professional experience and multiple 12-round bouts under his belt, preferred. This contrasted with Ben Whittaker’s contract, which stipulated a 10-round contest, a distance he had not yet exceeded in his professional career.
Promoter Ben Shalom openly addressed the issue, taking responsibility for the confusion. “Someone in the office has obviously made a little mistake, which happens, it’s an expensive one for me but it happens. It was nullified almost straight away but then it drags on, I think we were close and obviously then there’s an interview done, but last week after that we sort of agreed to what they wanted,” said Shalom to The Stomping Ground.
The contract dispute ultimately resulted in a financial settlement with Cameron, and the rematch was officially confirmed as a 10-round fight. Shalom also extended an apology to Whittaker, clarifying that the issue was not of his fighter’s making. “It’ll be a ten round fight, its nothing to do with Ben Whittaker, I apologised to Ben in the sense that it was a rematch, he’s always agreed its a ten round fight, he’s gone into training, he’s in camp, he knows what it is, everyone really knows what it is.” Shalom added, “It was on us to sort out, he’s deep in camp and I doubt he’s even popped up for air to see this sort of stuff. He’s (Liam Cameron) got bigger pockets and I’ve got smaller pockets.”
The Rematch: Whittaker Dominates Amidst Controversy
The rematch, dubbed “Resurgence,” took place on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, at the Resorts World Arena in Birmingham, UK. Ben Whittaker (then 8-0-1, 5 KOs) and Liam Cameron (then 23-7-1, 10 KOs) stepped into the ring to finally settle their rivalry. Whittaker, known as “The Surgeon”, entered with a professional record of 8 wins, 0 losses, and 1 draw, having made his debut in July 2022. Cameron, who turned professional in October 2009, brought significantly more experience, with 195 rounds boxed compared to Whittaker’s 56 prior to the rematch.
From the outset, Whittaker appeared focused and disciplined, largely eschewing his characteristic showboating. In the first round, he utilized his jab effectively, controlling the distance and landing clean shots, drawing blood from Cameron’s nose. Cameron, attempting to apply pressure, found it difficult to close the gap. The second round saw Cameron try to push forward, but Whittaker responded decisively. He staggered Cameron with a looping right hand to the head, then unleashed a barrage of punches, backing his opponent against the ropes. Referee Howard Foster then stepped in and waved off the fight at 1:53 of the second round, awarding Whittaker the victory via technical knockout.
However, the stoppage itself proved controversial. Many observers, including Cameron himself, felt the intervention was premature, arguing that Cameron was covering up and not significantly hurt. Cameron looked surprised by the referee’s decision, leading to renewed debate about the officiating in their encounters. Despite the controversy, the official result stood, with Whittaker improving his professional record to 9-0-1 (6 KOs).
Aftermath and Future Implications for the Light-Heavyweight Division
The decisive victory in the rematch provided Ben Whittaker with a clear resolution to the contentious rivalry with Liam Cameron. The win was crucial for Whittaker’s trajectory, allowing him to move past the lingering questions from their first fight and continue his ascent in the light-heavyweight division. Following his victory over Cameron, Whittaker has maintained his undefeated streak, securing two more knockout wins: a first-round KO over Benjamin Gavazi in November 2025 and another first-round KO against Braian Nahuel Suarez in April 2026. As of May 2026, his professional record stands at an impressive 11 wins, 0 losses, and 1 draw, with 8 of those wins coming by knockout. Whittaker is scheduled to face Richard Rivera on June 27, 2026, in what will be his US debut.
For Liam Cameron, the TKO loss marked a setback in his career. While he continued to compete, winning against Troy Jones by unanimous decision in November 2025, he subsequently suffered another TKO loss to Bradley Rea in May 2026. Cameron’s current record stands at 24 wins, 8 losses, and 1 draw. Despite the losses, Cameron’s performances against Whittaker, particularly in the first fight, showcased his toughness and ability to challenge highly-touted prospects. While he currently has no fights scheduled, his experience and willingness to engage could see him remain a relevant domestic opponent.
The Whittaker-Cameron saga, with its dramatic first encounter and controversial rematch, highlighted the unpredictable nature of boxing and the high stakes involved for rising stars and seasoned veterans alike. Whittaker’s ability to overcome the challenge, albeit with some debate, positions him as a significant contender in the light-heavyweight division, with many eyes now on his continued development and pursuit of major titles.
