Whittaker made an extravagant entrance, accompanied by a stay string ensemble taking part in WWE star The Undertaker’s theme earlier than switching to “Icon” by Karen.
Regardless of being from close by West Bromwich, Whittaker was greeted by as many jeers as cheers from the roughly 5,000 followers inside the sector.
The struggle got here alive within the third when Whittaker briefly staggered Wallace with a shot that skimmed his brow.
Wallace’s travelling assist made themselves heard, solely to be drowned out by an airhorn smuggled into the sector as Whittaker discovered his rhythm
Amongst these in attendance had been former UFC champion Leon Edwards and American Cassondra Gainey, who travelled practically 4,000 miles from North Carolina after Whittaker’s social-media movies helped raise her spirits throughout most cancers remedy.
Wallace supplied a warning of what was to return when he landed a heavy left within the sixth.
“Keep centered. Simply since you’re comfy, do not get lazy,” coach Andy Lee informed Whittaker, who regained management earlier than an nearly disastrous tenth spherical.
Wallace damage him with a thudding southpaw left earlier than Whittaker walked on to an enormous shot and regarded in deep trouble.
Whittaker briefly bought some respite when Wallace was warned for punching on the break, however he continued pushing ahead as a significant upset all of the sudden felt potential.
Whittaker hit the canvas 3 times within the closing spherical, none dominated knockdowns, as Wallace threw the whole lot at a visibly tiring opponent.
By the tip, Whittaker had performed sufficient to win – however not with out giving Wallace and his assist cause to marvel what may need occurred with a bit extra time.
“I solely have myself guilty,” he stated. “I really feel like I’ve bought the perfect assist on this planet. This felt like my dwelling present tonight regardless that it is in Birmingham.”
Promoter Eddie Hearn welcomed the potential for a rematch: “We all know Ben is within the place to struggle the winner of Bivol-Smith but it surely’s seemingly that will not be till subsequent summer season, so he must struggle within the interim.”
