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Boxing Pros Allege Referee Bias Against Ben Whittaker’s Opponent as Last Round Clip Goes Viral

Some fans and boxing figures believe that, to escape an embarrassing rout in front of a home crowd, especially when he is so close to a title shot, referee Kieran McCann let Ben Whittaker off the hook. While the Olympic…

Published: Monday, 5 October 2026 at 9:01 AM
Boxing Pros Allege Referee Bias Against Ben Whittaker’s Opponent as Last Round Clip Goes Viral
Key Things to Know
  • Boxing figures accused referee Kieran McCann of bias toward Ben Whittaker during his win over Conor Wallace.
  • Whittaker fell to the canvas three times in Round 12 without receiving an official knockdown count.
  • Whittaker secured a unanimous decision victory over Wallace despite facing heavy late pressure.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Boxing figures and commentators have alleged referee bias after Ben Whittaker defeated Conor Wallace by unanimous decision. Scrutiny erupted over twelfth-round footage showing Whittaker hitting the canvas three times under intense pressure from Wallace without referee Kieran McCann administering a knockdown count. Critics, including broadcaster Al Bernstein and matchmaker Rick Glaser, claimed McCann unfairly protected the home fighter from a potential stoppage defeat.

Despite the controversy, Whittaker and promoter Eddie Hearn have expressed interest in a rematch with Wallace as a prelude to a potential fight against champion Dmitry Bivol. The British Boxing Board of Control has not issued a formal statement regarding McCann's officiating, but the performance drew widespread backlash over uncalled knockdowns.

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