Whittaker was only announced as part of the Usyk v AJ 2 undercard at the beginning of the week, but continued a perfect start to his pro career with victory over Nosic
Saturday 20 August 2022 20:39, UK
British rising star Ben Whittaker made it two for two to begin his professional career as he outclassed Petar Nosic to claim a unanimous decision victory in Saudi Arabia.
The Tokyo Olympic silver medallist had been a late addition to the undercard of Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk's world heavyweight title rematch having knocked out Greg O'Neil on a scintillating pro debut in Bournemouth just three weeks ago.
He was faced with a much sterner test on this occasion, but for all of Nosic's industry it was always 'The Surgeon' who looked in command with his shrewd distancing and jab to extend his perfect start.
"Second fight, undefeated opponent, I just tried to box the game-plan," said Whittaker afterwards.
"The coach wanted me to work behind the jab, keep it nice and composed and a mature performance and that's what I did.
"I switched off trying to look a bit too sexy at times, but that's just me.
"All I've got to do is keep listening to me team, work behind my jab and feints and I'll be there."
Whittaker's self-assurance was advertised in the opening round as he asserted his authority with a blend of showboating and slick footwork.
He preceded to temper any ambitions of another dazzling stoppage on the big stage by easing his way through the early exchanges, seeking to frustrate Nosic with his jab and affording the minimum in a performance he knows provided a mere glimpse of his full arsenal.
Nosic warranted credit for his own efforts to fight on the front foot as the overwhelming underdog, and combined with a swift turnaround in providing a welcome test of Whittaker early in his career.
It came as another valuable opportunity for trainer SugarHill Steward to observe his fighter's development from ringside, with the Kronk Gym legend encouraging Whittaker to have fun throughout while making it be known to him that he was self-stalling at times.
For all that has been said of Whittaker's glistening potential, it was also another call for patience over a young talent with bigger nights and tougher challenges to come.
Whittaker admitted after the fight that he had sustained an injury during his win over O'Neil in Bournemouth, but was keen to get back in the ring as soon as possible.
"From the debut I picked up a little niggle," he said. "I'm a person that wants to stay active, so when I got this date I tried to push the injury to the back of my mind and just fight, but it's one of those - I performed the way I did, I got the win and we move on.
"I've got to speak to the team. I'm going to go home, see what it actually is, and we'll go from there.
"The main thing is I wanted to be in camp with Sugar and keep learning, but I wasn't able to do that, so a bit of upset on my part.
"But I like to keep my standards high, I'm a perfectionist, so all I can do now is go back home, go back to the drawing board, keep learning and come back even prettier."
