Tony Bellew sums up Ben Whittaker’s performance after surviving dire final round to beat Wallace

Former world champion Tony Bellew criticized Ben Whittaker's performance after Whittaker survived a troubled final round to defeat Conor Wallace in Birmingham. Whittaker built a dominant lead over the first nine rounds but struggled heavily late in the fight, frequently holding onto Wallace and hitting the canvas during the twelfth round to reach the final bell.

Speaking on DAZN, Bellew warned that Whittaker "got away with one" and stated his complacency would be exploited by elite light-heavyweights. Promoter Eddie Hearn suggested Whittaker needs another fight at this level, potentially a rematch with Wallace, before pursuing top-tier opponents.