Ben Whittaker fight canceled with boxer in wheelchair after being thrown out of ring | Boxing | sport

Ben Whittaker was involved in a bizarre incident in the fifth round of his light heavyweight fight against Liam Cameron in Saudi Arabia. The young Brit, known for his flamboyant antics, left the ring in a wheelchair after both fighters dramatically fell over the ropes.

Whittaker went into the fight as favorite, which took place in Saudi Arabia ahead of the highly anticipated showdown between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. However, a strange incident in the fifth round caused the fight to be stopped in an unusual manner.

The two boxers appeared to be in a clinch, but they ended up flying over the top rope and crashing onto the edge of the tarp outside the ring. Cameron was able to get to his feet, but Whittaker stayed down and was clearly uncomfortable.

The 27-year-old required treatment for an apparent ankle injury and remained on his back for several minutes. Eventually he was helped back to his corner while Cameron danced in the middle of the ring, looking like he had won the fight.

It wasn't a no-contest declaration, but went to the judges' scorecard as referee Victor Loughlin classified it as an “accidental injury”. The result was announced as a technical split draw, infuriating Cameron as he stormed out of the ring in disgust.

Whittaker, meanwhile, was escorted out of the arena in a wheelchair with his left ankle outstretched. He won the first round but was locked in an even fight in the remaining four rounds, with Cameron more than holding his own against the former Olympic medalist.

There was none of the usual showboating from Whittaker, who struggled to assert himself for most of the contest. He did well to gain control in the first round, but the tide began to turn in the second round as Cameron began to have some success.

Cameron, who once served a drug ban for cocaine, injured Whittaker in the fourth round with a powerful right-handed blow that seemed to take the wind out of his sails. There was more joy from Cameron in the fifth round before the bizarre incident abruptly ended the fight.

The result marked the first blemish on Whittaker's professional record after eight previous victories, while Cameron was denied a major upset win four months after losing a split decision to Lyndon Arthur.