Trainer Peter Fury believes that light heavyweight prospect Ben Whittaker needs to address his defensive weaknesses to avoid problems against tougher opponents at the world level.
Whittaker, the 2020 Olympic silver medalist, recently secured a victory over 41-year-old Khalid Ghraidia, but his flashy style and lack of defensive prowess have raised concerns about his future performance against stronger opponents.
Showboat Raises Red Flags
Whittaker’s showboating and vulnerability to punches from older opponents have sparked worries about his ability to defend himself effectively. His past defeats to opponents like Arlen Lopez and Dilshodobek Ruzmetov also indicate areas for improvement.
Good Points and Room for Improvement
According to Peter Fury, Whittaker possesses talent and power in his shots, but he needs to rectify his defensive flaws to succeed in higher-level fights. The emphasis is on improving his reflexes and defensive techniques to avoid getting hit.
Whittaker’s promoters have been criticized for not arranging fights against tougher opponents, which would better assess his skills and capabilities. His flashy fighting style has proved ineffective against more formidable opposition.
Possibilities and the Way Forward
It is suggested that as Whittaker progresses in his career, showboating will become less effective, and he will need to focus on effectively defending himself against stronger adversaries. The current pace of his development and the quality of his opposition have raised concerns about his progress as an Olympian.
Despite the concerns, there is recognition of Whittaker’s potential, and Peter Fury believes that with improvements in his defensive abilities, the future looks promising for the young fighter.
