Ezra Areneka has vowed to be “the secret man who upset Ben Whittaker” as he eyes a fight against one of British boxing’s rising superstars this June.
Arenieka made a name for himself in March when he made a surprise appearance at the pre-fight press conference ahead of Whittaker’s win over Leon Willings, challenging the Olympic silver medalist.
Whittaker has ruffled feathers with his in-ring performances at a 7-0 start to his professional career and has gone viral with his combination of tricks and flamboyance with his immense ability to garner a growing list of potential opponents eager to take advantage of the stage. He gives.
Areneka is the latest.
“Ben Whittaker, in his last few fights, has always performed and acted silly in the ring in my opinion. As a fighter, I didn’t appreciate that behavior,” Arenaka said. Sky Sports.
“Also, we’re at the same level in our careers right now and he’s a big fish to fry for me – so I’m here to fry him.
“That’s why I called him and did what I did in the press conference. I’m here today and hopefully we can sign the fight and we can go.”
Whitaker saw his social media following rocket after his performance against Khalid Gradia in February went global.
He then faced an even tougher test in the form of Willings, who for all his industry and heart proved no match for Whittaker’s speed and skill.
Arenyeka promises to give the surgeon “sleepless nights”.
“Every good boxer with rhythm can showboat… I used to do a lot of showboating in my amateur days, but I stopped for one reason, because I grew up as a fighter,” he said.
“Obviously he’s still acting like a little diva, a little kid in the ring, so he’s not grown up yet.
“If he tries to do that with me, I’ll show him the level and make a fool of him. That’s the honest truth…he’ll get caught with my strength and I’ll knock him out.”
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Whittaker says he let opponent Willings hit him to prove he could take shots en route to a points win at the O2 Arena.
‘The African King’ is 12-0 in his professional career, with 10 wins coming via knockout. He is ranked 11th by Whittaker.
“I am coming with full heart. I am a warrior. I will not back down,” he continued.
“He’s smart, but he doesn’t have the power.
“And I bring pure entertainment, man. Boxing fans are in for a treat on June 15. They won’t want to miss it because this is history right here — the mystery man who upset Ben Whittaker. That’s going to be the headline.”
Whittaker delivered perhaps his most valuable rounds as a professional in March, as he came up against a tough and resilient Willings, took some meaningful shots for the first time and saw his showboating take more of a backseat.
Arenyeka considered the performance evidence of his own ability to overcome the 26-year-old.
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Whittaker once again performed to entertain the fans during the points victory over Willings at London’s O2 Arena.
“Yes, Willings exposed him a lot. But this is not his last fight … every fight you can pick something,” he said.
“I have a good coach, a former world champion, so there is a lot of potential for good things and I have good opportunities to take advantage.
“I just have to make sure I train hard and then let the magic happen. It’s going to be beautiful. I can’t wait to get my hands on him.”
Arenieka has previously criticized Whittaker for the caliber of opponents he has faced since turning professional, suggesting he has yet to face someone of his caliber.
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A look at Whittaker’s epic martial arts career inspired Walkout for his fight against Willings.
“They get nervous as the fight gets closer,” he said.
“He’s always had things his way; they’ve always given him easy matches.
“He’s going to find out about himself, I’m going to find out about myself, and this is what life is about.
“But I’m knocking him out in the ninth round. That’s my future and I’ll leave it at that.”
Watch Lauren Price in her first world title fight against Jessica McCaskill at the Welsh Homecoming from the Utilita Arena in Cardiff on Saturday 11 May on Sky Sports. Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk Undisputed Heavyweight World Title Clash LIVE Sky Sports Box Office on 18 May.
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