Willings takes on Olympic hero Whittaker
WIDNES professional Light Heavyweight boxer Leon Willings will walk out in the Wembley 02 Arena to face global boxing sensation Ben Whittaker on Sunday evening (March 31st).
Whittaker, an Olympic boxing silver medallist in 2020, shot to global recognition when his showmanship behaviour and general antics in the ring went viral.
Willings could be seen as a huge risk for Whittaker, who is now viewed by many as the Sky Sports’ golden boy.
Whittaker’s six-fight professional career to date includes five knock outs, whereas Willings’ career to date is eight fights with two knock outs, and one loss.
However, Whittaker has only boxed opponents who could be seen as journeymen to date, unlike Willings, who has taken on other top prospects, and recently won a Central Area Light Heavyweight Belt. Leon and Ben sit side by side in the rankings, so this fight is definitely not going to be an easy win for Whittaker as the world expects.
Terry Spencer, Leon’s trainer, said: “Ben Whittaker has never faced such a big hitting talent as Leon.
“Their styles are very similar, which will make it hard for Whittaker as he has never faced anyone in the professional ranks quite like this.
“Leon has sparred with world champions and given them all problems. We don’t see Ben Whittaker as a threat that can’t be beaten. Leon has the ability to cause a huge upset, and we are travelling to London to win.”
The fight is on a Sky Sports main event on Sunday night with a guide time of 8pm start. A win here will be another step towards putting the town of Widnes, and the professional boxing stable at Terry Spencer’s gym on the map.
Leon Willings has taken this fight at just 10 days notice, against what would normally be a six-week camp, however Leon has never come out of training since his Central Area Title winning fight four weeks ago, and will be in good shape going into the fight.
This will definitely be an exciting fight that has the world watching.