Ben Whittaker responds to Prince Naseem Hamed’s claim he is ‘copying’ legend’s flamboyant boxing style
Ben Whittaker has dismissed claims he is trying to emulate the style of Prince Naseem Hamed.
Whittaker has burst into the mainstream as a talented British prospect, amassing a huge following already due to his flamboyant and entertaining style.
Due to his dancing and showboating in front of his opponents, the 26-year-old has drawn similarities to legendary boxer Hamed.
Every event was a show for the spectators thanks to Ahmed, who claimed in a talkSPORT interview that “Benzo” was just a nod to his distinct style.
Whittaker has now responded, saying, “Listen, it’s one of those things, everyone has their own opinions,” in an interview with talkSPORT Drive.
“When I first entered the scene, I declared that Adidas was the reason for the tribute; I never sought to be Naz.
“Secondly, everyone can say what they have got to say, if you look at some of his early fights he was fighting people with 17 losses.
“My kid had one loss so for me I have to just focus on my own career.
“I am at a completely different weight and boxing has changed now.”
Hamed had suggested the point after Whittaker’s recent win over Leon Willings, who fought resiliently to survive the eight round distance.
He said: “To be honest there is something missing. If you are going to get in the ring with somebody at central area level.
“He should have exploded because the pressure is on him. For him to come out and do a tribute to Naz, with the same shorts and music.
“Obviously I knew he wouldn’t flip over the top rope or do some flying carpet business.”
Hamed was a true fan-favourite during his time in the ring, with his famous entrances and entertaining and exciting style seeing him become a global star.
His incredible ten-year career did end with one defeat to Marco Antonio Barrera in his penultimate outing, but he was inducted in the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
He often faced critics for his confident playbook of moves, which have also arrived at the feet of Whittaker early on.
But the former Olympic silver medalist is becoming a star in his own name, and will be hoping to at least emulate the success of ‘Naz’.
Whittaker is next in action on June 15 against Ezra Arenyeka in a huge BOXXER card at Selhurst Park.
Arenyeka decided to confront Whittaker at a press conference, which earned him the huge shot in South London.
It is a huge opportunity for ‘Benzo’ to once again put on a show in front of a big crowd.
A win will see him continue to rise up the light-heavyweight domestic rankings, and he could chase a British title shot in the coming months.
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