Ben Whittaker fires back at critics of his opposition

Whittaker argued today that his recent opponents have been stronger than critics admit.

“I’ve been taking steps, but people kind of miss it,” Whittaker told Ring Magazine.

“My last guy (Braian Nahuel Suarez), he had a life and death with Lyndon for an IBO world title. This guy I’m fighting now lost in a split to Badou Jack for the WBC cruiserweight title. So, I’m not fighting idiots right now,” Whittaker said. “They’re okay. You know what I mean? But I suppose when I go out there and perform the way I do, I make them look ordinary.”

The comments come as fans continue to push for Whittaker to face more established rivals. Anthony Yarde’s name has recently been mentioned as a possible future opponent, while others have questioned whether Whittaker’s development should be progressed further given his amateur pedigree and age.

However, Whittaker suggested that he takes much of the criticism as a compliment.

“If they have something to say, ‘Oh, you gotta fight this person, gotta fight this person,’ it shows them they know I’m good enough to beat that person. That’s how I see it,” Whittaker said.

The outspoken light heavyweight has become one of British boxing’s most talked about fighters since turning professional. His performances attracted attention on both sides of the Atlantic, but they also brought increasing scrutiny about the pace of his progress.

Whittaker’s focus remains on Rivera. A win would move him one step closer to the higher-ranked opponents that many observers believe should already be on his schedule.