Whittaker survives late scare to hold on for points win

British light-heavyweight Ben Whittaker survived a late onslaught from Conor Wallace to secure a points victory and a step closer to a world-title shot in Birmingham. The 29-year-old, a bronze medalist from the 2012 Olympics, dominated much of the contest with his trademark showboating and superior boxing skills at the Utilita Arena.

However, Wallace came roaring back in the championship rounds, rocking Whittaker in the 10th and nearly turning the tide in the 12th. The judges scored the fight 117-111, 116-112 and 115-113 in Whittaker's favor, making him the mandatory challenger for the IBF world title. Whittaker admitted that he took his eye off the ball a bit in the later rounds, but ultimately held on until the final bell.

Wallace, who suffered his second defeat of his 19-fight career, called for an immediate rematch, stating that if Whittaker wants to "run it back and get a beat down again," he can. Whittaker responded by saying he has the best support in the world and called the night his home show despite the Birmingham venue.