In February, light-heavyweight Ben Whittaker woke up to millions of hits on his Instagram account following his stoppage win over Khalid Graidia at Wembley Arena.
“My phone just blew up. It was just weird,” Whittaker told BBC Sport.
Known as ‘The Surgeon,’ Whittaker posted two videos after his victory, highlighting his lightning-quick reactions and showboating antics, including dancing around the ring during exchanges.
“I’ve been doing this style since I was a kid and out of nowhere my socials all went crazy,” Whittaker said.
Whittaker’s Rise: From Silver Medalist to Instagram Sensation
“You can’t complain, it is good, but I’m just being myself. I won’t change for no-one and as long as I get the job done that’s all that matters.”
Just 24 hours after posting his first video, Whittaker gained over 100,000 Instagram followers. By March, he had reached 1 million followers, and has since surpassed 2 million.
A highlight reel from his February win, just his sixth professional fight, garnered 2.7 million likes and 58 million views on Instagram.
Whittaker’s style has faced criticism from some boxing fans, who find it disrespectful to his opponents. However, the 27-year-old from Darlaston, near Walsall in the West Midlands, insists his showboating is simply self-expression.
During a recent trip to America with his promotional company, Boxxer, Whittaker experienced the impact of his wider exposure. “I had people recognize me on the streets from that video,” he said. “It’s humbling for me, a lad from Darlaston having people over there coming up to me.”
Whittaker took silver for Team GB at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics after losing to Cuba’s Arlen Lopez in the light-heavyweight gold-medal bout. He made his professional debut in Bournemouth in July 2022 and has now won all seven of his professional fights, six in the UK and one in Saudi Arabia.
Whittaker’s Viral Fame Brings New Fans
After his viral moment, Whittaker was surprised by a new wave of followers, despite spending most of his career in the UK.
“On my Instagram, it was mainly Brazil and the United States engaging with that viral post,” he said. “It’s mad, to be honest; Brazil is now the top country following me.”
Whittaker will fight on the undercard of Chris Billam-Smith’s world title defense against Richard Riakporhe at Selhurst Park in London on Saturday. He will challenge Ezra Arenyeka for the WBA gold light-heavyweight title, marking his first shot at a professional belt.
Arenyeka, an undefeated Nigerian fighter, called Whittaker out in person at a news conference before Whittaker’s last fight in March.
“The main thing is that there’s a belt on the line for me – something to show off and hold my jeans up with,” Whittaker said. “It’s a big card and will be a big atmosphere. I’ll learn from the experience. I’m going to make an example of Ezra.”
