Ben Whittaker lived up to his “Marmite” moniker with plenty of showboating on offer for his debut in the paid ranks.
The Olympic silver medalist came out to a mute guitarist, possibly due to a sound problem, but then proceeded to try and make everyone dislike him.
During the first round, he was more annoying Greg O’Neill than punishing him, but there were flashes of brilliance from Whittaker.
Ben Whittaker – Mr. Marmite
At one point, Sky Sports commentator Adam Smith labeled Whittaker “Mr. Marmite.”
After the first three minutes, it was a pretty accurate description.
In the second session, he showed why many Brits believe he’s the next big thing. A massive shot scrambled O’Neill’s equilibrium.
He hit the ground, and Mark Lyson had seen enough. Afterward, Whittaker said, “it was the first of many.”
Frazer Clarke
Frazer Clarke smashed Ariel Bracamonte in two rounds to score the second professional win of his career.
Bracamonte, who went the distance with Jarrell Miller last month, has put on considerably more timber than his previous UK visit against Dave Allen.
Clarke took advantage and hurt Bracamonte from the off. After an accidental blow around the back of the head in the second, Bracamonte wanted a timeout.
As soon as the fight resumed, and sensing Bracamonte was looking for the exit, Clarke unleashed a massive left to end the argument.
Caroline Dubois
Future women’s world champion Caroline Dubois continued her progress with a dominant victory. Dubois punished Happy Daudi, who honestly had no business being in the ring with the sister of heavyweight Daniel.
Ten losses on her record didn’t tell the whole story as the hapless Daudi was beaten around the ring for five minutes until saved by the official.
In a slugfest, Hassan Azim had to work for the win. Before that, he looked like he was taking Jacob Quinn out in one.
Quinn was in trouble before rallying in the second and troubling Azim, who punched himself out early on.
The last couple of rounds were just two tired fighters trading off without power. But it was Azim who did the better work.
Azim moves to 4-0 with the 59-55 decision.
Early results
Mikael Lawal proved why he’s considered a possible world cruiserweight champion of the future. After softening up his opponent in the first round, Lawal took out Crispulo Javier Andino early in the second.
Andino couldn’t make the count following a crippling body shot. Lawal moves to 16-0.
Stevie McKenna began proceedings in the opener with a sickening stoppage of Facundo Alberto Rojas. Every punch looked hurtful from the undefeated welterweight as Rojas eventually wilted.
McKenna has been in impressive form since switching from the US to the UK. The Irishman is now 12-0 as a professional.
Also, on the bill before the event went live on Sky Sports, Lee Cutler scored a 58-56 decision over Meshack Mwankemwa.
WBN Editor Phil has over ten years of boxing news experience. Follow WBN on Facebook @officialworldboxingnews and Twitter @worldboxingnews.
