Last Saturday evening, Ben Whittaker found himself in a state of flow.
Focused solely on the task at hand, Whittaker (6-0, 5 KOs) showcased his skills in a fifth-round stoppage victory over Khalid Graidia, oblivious to the stir his performance was causing beyond the ropes.
For some fighters, this heightened state of awareness resembles being in The Matrix, where every move is anticipated and executed with precision. Whittaker describes it as a feeling of being in slow motion yet acting swiftly, seeing every detail unfold before him.
“When I’m in that state—like some boxers, including Sunny Edwards—I feel untouchable. It’s like everything is crystal clear,” explained the undefeated light heavyweight to BoxingScene.com.
Throughout the fight, Whittaker gradually increased his showmanship, baiting Graidia into mistakes and capitalizing on them with calculated precision. To some observers, watching Whittaker is akin to witnessing a magician perform, where every move serves a strategic purpose.
However, while his performance garnered praise from American fans and celebrities, it sparked debates among British fans about sportsmanship and respect for opponents.
Whittaker acknowledges the differing perspectives but defends his approach, emphasizing that his style is not about disrespect but rather about employing different tactics to secure victory.
“It’s frustrating when people label me as disrespectful. I’m not insulting opponents like some do at press conferences. I’m simply showcasing a different style,” Whittaker expressed, reflecting on the contrasting reactions from American and British audiences.
