08 February 2024 , 20:00
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Ben Whittaker is adamant his showboating antics in the ring are not "disrespectful" - but admits he agrees with the fans who criticise him for it.
Whittaker, 26, caused another stir as he toyed with Khalid Graidia during his fifth-round stoppage victory over the Frenchman on Saturday. And while one of his tricks earned him a ticking off from the referee, as well as causing division among supporters, the West Midlands fighter insists he won't be easing up on his dancing moves anytime soon.
"I don't disagree with people who criticise me for it," Whittaker told the Daily Star. "Everyone has their own opinion, everyone has their own style, but the thing I will disagree with is the claims that I'm being disrespectful - I'm not disrespectful.
"You don't see me effing and blinding and belittling my opponent. After the fight I always congratulate them. It's just my style."
Whittaker's performances have seen him quickly become a marmite character among fans, many of whom are now desperate to see him meet his match. And the rising light-heavyweight star is well aware even those who aren't backing him for a victory might still be tuning in hoping to catch him getting a taste of his own medicine.
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"That's the crazy thing about the sport, the more people that want to see you lose means they'll come out in force."
One of his moves on Saturday saw Whittaker duck out the way of a shot before spinning on one leg, including turning his back to his opponent, earning him a stern warning from the referee.
But the rising light-heavyweight refuses to change his style (PA)But he refuses to tame his entertaining style which is attracting new fans on social media and putting more bums on seats. "Some of the greats have done it back in the day and, even now, Billy Joe Saunders has done it, Tyson Fury has done it and Conor McGregor has done it," said Whittaker.
"They didn't get the backlash I did. It is just part of the game."
"The sky is the limit," he added. "Since I was young, my coach said he wants me to become a Hall of Famer and that's what I want to become."