British light-heavyweight Ben Whittaker defeated Conor Wallace by points in Birmingham, moving him closer to a world-title shot. The 29-year-old controlled much of the contest at the Utilita Arena before Wallace launched a late comeback in the championship rounds.
The judges scored the fight 117-111, 116-112, and 115-113, confirming Whittaker as the mandatory challenger for the IBF world title. He extended his unbeaten professional record to 13 wins and one draw.
Whittaker is now the mandatory challenger for IBF champion Dmitry Bivol, who also holds the WBA 'super' and WBO belts. Bivol is expected to face Callum Smith in December.
Promoter Eddie Hearn suggested a rematch with Wallace is possible, noting that Whittaker's fight for the world title might not be until next summer, requiring him to fight in the interim.