Whittaker vs. Wallace Set for IBF Final Eliminator in Birmingham
Winning the bout would make the victor the IBF mandatory challenger, though a world-title shot will likely wait on Dmitry Bivol’s December WBO mandatory and a possible Bivol–Beterbiev rematch.
Overview
- The IBF final eliminator is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 3, at Utilita Arena in Birmingham and will name the mandatory challenger to unified champion Dmitry Bivol.
- Ben Whittaker is a 2020 Olympic silver medallist with a 12-0-1 pro record and is the IBF No. 3 contender entering the fight.
- Conor Wallace is a Newry-born, Australia-based southpaw ranked IBF No. 2 with a 17-1 record who is making his first professional appearance outside Australia.
- Betting markets make Whittaker a sizable favorite and promoters report strong local demand with more than 7,000 fans expected and about 500 traveling supporters for Wallace.
- The eliminator winner becomes the mandatory challenger but the actual timing of a title shot will be shaped by Bivol’s agreed December 12 WBO mandatory with Callum Smith and any subsequent plans for a rematch with Artur Beterbiev.