A woman from North Carolina, Cassondra Gainey, has travelled nearly 4,000 miles to Birmingham to see boxer Ben Whittaker. Ms Gainey, who was diagnosed with cancer in January 2024 and lost her job in April 2026, said Whittaker's social media videos helped her find happiness.
Ms Gainey discovered the Wolverhampton boxer through his TikTok reels and highlight videos. She stated that watching him made her laugh and feel happy for the first time in a long while, prompting her to book a 17-hour trip to the UK.
She will be attending Whittaker's world title eliminator bout against Conor Wallace on Saturday at Birmingham's Utilita Arena, sitting three rows from the front. This marks her first time leaving the US.