‘You need to sort your commentary out’ says boxer in awkward interview on live TV leaving pundits looking sheepish
BEN WHITTAKER was involved in an awkward interview spat with commentator Andy Clarke.
The 26-year-old faces Leon Willings on Sunday night at the O2 Arena in London.
Whittaker was talking to Sky Sports after his press conference when he clashed with Clarke.
The light heavyweight has won all six of his professional bouts in style – often showboating in the ring.
During his previous victory over Khalid Gradia, Whittaker caused controversy as he danced and hopped on one leg mid-fight to taunt his rival as he beat him with ease.
Asked who Whittaker would like to fight in the future, he responded while looking at broadcaster Clarke: “Probably you.
“With the commentary, you always say I’m disrespectful, so probably you.
“You’re the person that keeps saying disrespectful.”
Clarke then hit back, replying: “On that though, when you stand in front of your opponent and you slap him on the top of his head – that is disrespectful.”
Whittaker was having none of it, responding: “No, that’s skill. Have you boxed before?
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Clarke said he hasn’t and the Brit said: “Well, there you go then.”
He continued: “I think it’s disrespectful that you, I’m watching a fight back and it’s, ‘Ben is disrespectful, Ben is disrespectful.’
“You’re painting that picture of me being disrespectful when it’s an art and a skill.
“So I think you need to sort your commentary skills out.”
Clarke wasn’t done there, saying: “I’m a big fan of your ability, a big, big fan. But I’m there to give an opinion.”
The 2016 Olympics silver medallist ended the debate with a blunt: “Yeah, that’s your opinion.”
The rest of the pundits were stunned into silence and watched on awkwardly.
Fans had their say on the row, with one saying: “They need to stop calling Ben disrespectful. Ali did this, Prince did this. He’s an entertainer but is definitely not disrespectful.”
Another added: “Fair play to Andy for backing up what he said rather than backtrack.”
More reacted: “Fair play to both. No harm in disagreeing.”
It was not the only moment of controversy at the press conference after a gatecrashing boxer tried to confront Whittaker with security forced to step in.