Ben Whittaker motivated by target on his back as Lewis Edmondson calls him out | Boxing News

Ben Whittaker has welcomed the “goal on my again” after a knockout victory on Sunday night time and is able to “embarrass extra folks”.

Whittaker wanted simply 4 rounds to defeat Stiven Leonetti on his return to Bournemouth, the venue that hosted his skilled debut again in July 2022.

The 2020 Olympic silver medallist was already being referred to as out for his subsequent occasion within the build-up to Sunday’s victory, with undercard fighter Lewis Edmondson saying he desires the struggle “any time, anyplace, wherever”.

Whittaker has instructed Sky Sports activities Information the eye from his rivals solely motivates him extra.

“On the finish of the day, the best way I current myself, the best way I discuss, the goal on my again with Sky Sports activities backing me, there’s going to be a number of eyes and lots of people calling me out,” stated the light-heavyweight star.

“That is what I like, competitors, wholesome competitors.

“It get’s that fireplace in your stomach and permits me to hopefully embarrass extra folks.”

After an injury-stricken yr decreased Whittaker to solely three bouts, he hopes to push in direction of title fights in 2024 and “develop into one of many faces of British boxing”.

“I completed the yr the precise manner, little bit of a nuisance the cease and begin, constructed just like the tin man proper now,” he stated.

“Hopefully 2024 is an lively yr for myself… one other yr of successful, performing and to maintain placing myself on the market.

“Step-by-step, we will get there, and with Sky Sports activities, my workforce, it is trying good.”