Ben Whittaker rushed to hospital with freak injury as both fighters fall over top rope forcing fight to be stopped

Before his about with Liam Cameron, Andy Lee hailed Ben Whittaker as 'the future of boxing,' and for good reason. Yet, October 12 didn't turn out to be the night Whittaker had envisioned.

In a bizarre turn of events, Whittaker was forced to settle for a technical split-decision draw after sustaining an injury that prevented him from continuing. The injury occurred when both fighters tumbled out of the ring during the fifth round.

The judges delivered a rare set of scores: 58-57 for Whittaker, 58-57 for Cameron, and 58-58, resulting in a draw. Cameron was visibly frustrated by the decision, while Whittaker had to be wheeled back to the dressing room due to his injury.

Whittaker seemed in control from the opening bell, showcasing his trademark speed, footwork, and technical precision. His reach and movement kept Cameron at a distance, making it seem like Whittaker was well on his way to a victory. However, his momentum began to fade as the rounds progressed.

Whittaker appeared increasingly tense as the fight wore on, losing the fluidity and confidence that often defines his performances. Instead of his usual flair and showmanship, he absorbed considerable punishment from Cameron, especially leading into the pivotal fifth round.

With about 10 seconds remaining in the fifth, Whittaker found himself trapped against the ropes, forced into a clinch with Cameron.

As Cameron pushed forward, both men suddenly tumbled over the top rope, landing hard outside the ring. Cameron ended up on top of Whittaker as they lay on the edge of the canvas, prompting an immediate response from medical staff.

Cameron quickly returned to his feet, visibly eager to continue the fight. His corner accused Whittaker of exaggerating his injury, urging the referee to resume the bout.

However, Whittaker was clearly in distress, complaining of severe pain in his foot. He was helped to his stool, where medics removed his boot and ultimately sent him for an x-ray.

Cameron was frustrated after the fight, speaking to DAZN in the changing room he said: 'He didn't want any more. He was very tired. He gives me his last 30 seconds. He had nothing left. The kid was knackered from round two. But look, I beat him.

'I don't get a fair share. I got a split decision lost in the last fight. I just had a draw this one. What more do I have to do? I've never had a promotional deal in my life, and I tried to do my best today to get that win, I thought I fully deserved it.

'Yeah [Whittaker wanted a way out], you could see it on camera. I don't want to be critical of him, because no one gave me a chance. No one. It wasn't the Liam Cameron show, I didn't have any cameras on me, following me, just my small team.'