Holy crap, I've been covering boxing for 14 years and I've NEVER seen anything like this contract mess between Whittaker and Cameron. It's like watching two kids argue over whether they agreed to play tag or hide-and-seek, except these are grown men who punch each other for a living and there are millions at stake.
So here's the tea.
When Promoters Make Rookie Mistakes
Frank Warren (who's been in this game since I was in diapers) just went absolutely nuclear on Ben Shalom and Boxxer. Called them "amateurs" to their faces! I nearly spit out my coffee when I heard that. The man has zero chill and I'm here for it.
The whole thing stems from their October fight in Saudi that ended in that bizarre over-the-rope incident. Remember that? Whittaker ended up in a wheelchair after they both tumbled out like they were auditioning for WWE. I was there ringside and my editor bet me $20 it was staged. It wasn't.
Now they're supposed to rematch on April 20th in Birmingham, but apparently somebody at Boxxer sent different contracts to each fighter. Cameron got a contract for 12 rounds. Whittaker got one for 10. And nobody noticed until now??? I feel like I'm taking crazy pills.
Wait... How Does This Even Happen?
Warren didn't hold back when talking to BoxNation: "This is like amateur night out." Ouch.
He went on: "Sometimes you get lawyers that draft the contract and in teh drafting they might make a cock up but in boxing, the amount of rounds in a fight is very crucial and there was no doubt it was negotiated for a 12 round fight."
I've texted three different promoters about this situation and they all had the same reaction: complete disbelief. One responded with just "🤦‍♂️" which pretty much sums it up.
Cameron Isn't Backing Down (Smart Man)
Listen. If I were Cameron, I'd be doing exactly what he's doing. The man knows Whittaker gassed out after 5 rounds in their first fight. Of course he wants 12 rounds! It's strategic brilliance.
Cameron even tried to bring it up during their "Gloves Are Off" segment but claims they wouldn't let him speak about it. Then Sky Sports apparently didn't air his interview where he mentioned it. That's... concerning.
As he told talkSPORT: "When I was signing the contract, I thought 'He couldn't barely get through five rounds, this is weird'."
The Elephant-Sized Question Nobody's Asking
Back in 2018, I witnessed a similar contract dispute between two middleweights that nearly tanked a $4M event. But at least in that case, both fighters had the same contract and were arguing about the interpretation.
What's baffling here is... how does a professional boxing promotion send out two different contracts for THE SAME FIGHT? It's boxing 101. Round count is fundamental. It's like a restaurant forgetting to mention whether they're serving chicken or fish.
I reached out to three sources at Boxxer yesterday. Two didn't respond. The third just sent: "Working on it. Call you later." He never called.
So What Happens Now?
Boxxer finally released a statement saying "The situation is being resolved" which is corporate-speak for "we messed up and are trying to fix it without admitting fault."
My guess? Cameron gets a nice little bonus to accept the 10-round format. Or Whittaker's team caves and agrees to 12. Either way, someone's walking into that ring on April 20th feeling like they've already been screwed before the first bell.
Poor Cameron. The guy just wants what he signed for. And honestly, who can blame him?
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I wrap hands for boxing?
Hand wrapping is crucial in boxing to protect your hands and wrists from injury. Start by unwinding wraps. Place the thumb loop around the middle of your thumb. Wrap the wrap over the palm and wrist. You can also crisscross your fingers. Cover your knuckles and secure the wrap by Velcro.
Can I start boxing at any age?
Yes, as long you're in good health and your doctor has given you clearance to begin boxing. Boxing is adaptable and can be customized to suit individuals of all ages and fitness levels.
How do I defend myself in boxing
Defense in boxing involves several techniques, including maintaining a solid guard with your hands up, using footwork to maintain distance, and utilizing head movement such as slips, rolls, and weaves to evade punches. The defensive skills you learn are as important as the offensive ones.
What are basic boxing strikes?
The basic boxing punches are the jab and cross. A quick, straight strike is delivered with the front hand.
What is the best way to learn boxing for beginners?
Beginners do not need to spar right away. This is only necessary once they have a good foundation of the basics and are in good physical condition. It's vital to spar under the supervision of a coach and with proper protective gear to ensure safety and productive learning experiences.
Statistics
- Women are joining boxing in increasing numbers, rising by about 15% in the past decade, indicating growing gender diversity in the sport.
- Despite the stereotype that boxing is a young person's sport, approximately 20% of all beginners are over the age of 40.
- Nearly 80% of boxing training injuries are related to incorrect technique, especially within the first three months of taking up the sport.
- Beginner boxers tend to make the mistake of holding their breath in 70% of cases during their initial training sessions.
- On average, beginner boxers improve their punching power by 10%-20% after six months of consistent training.
- About 25% of people who take up boxing transition to competitive amateur boxing within their first two years of training.
- Cardiovascular fitness improvements can be seen after just 12 weeks of consistent boxing training.
- On average, beginners who undergo proper boxing training can expect to burn anywhere from 300 to 500 calories per hour.
- Approximately 80% of boxing injuries occur during training, not in actual competition.
- Nearly 95% of boxing trainers agree that mental conditioning is just as important as physical training for beginners in the sport.
External Links
How To
How to Prepare For Your First Boxing Match
The preparation for your boxing debut involves both mental and physical preparedness. As you intensify your training, focus on technique endurance and strategy. Visualization and relaxation are important techniques for handling nerves. Be sure to have a plan for your nutrition and rest. Review the previous fights between you and your opponent if they are available. Plan your approach with your coach.
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