What Not To Do When You're a Pro Boxer When talent isn’t the problem, but how you handle it is.

Ben Whittaker is a special talent—an Olympic silver medalist with lightning reflexes, sharp counters, and undeniable star power. But in his latest bout against Liam Cameron, it wasn’t the second-round TKO that dominated headlines. It was what happened after the bell.

Following a dominant performance that ended their grudge match with a flurry of hooks and a referee stoppage, Whittaker didn’t walk away with dignity. Instead, he mocked Cameron’s corner, taunted the Birmingham crowd, and had to be restrained by his own coach, Andy Lee. He broke down in tears. He egged on the boos. He denied spitting at Cameron’s team, although many weren’t convinced.

Once again, the conversation around Whittaker shifted from his potential to his persona.

There’s a growing trend in boxing, especially among younger fighters: a hunger for attention that sometimes outweighs the drive for achievement. Fighters aren't just preparing for title runs anymore—they're trying to go viral. The flash, the antics, the quotes—it’s part of the game now. But in the pursuit of hype, many forget that boxing is more than entertainment. It’s also about respect, control, and character.

Being confident—even cocky—isn’t inherently wrong. Conor McGregor, at his peak, sold fights with fire and flair, but backed it all up with sharp focus and clean performances in the cage. Even in his biggest rivalries, there was often a moment of mutual respect at the end. Floyd Mayweather made a fortune playing the villain, but behind the cameras was a man who trained like a machine and carried himself like a seasoned professional. Israel Adesanya, Naoya Inoue, Vasiliy Lomachenko—they all bring flash and flavor, but never at the cost of class.

A pro fighter should know how to control emotions and stay centered in the moment. Let your fists do the talking. When the fight is over, let your actions speak louder than your antics. There’s no need to mock your opponent’s team or rile up the crowd with cheap theatrics. Celebrate with fire, sure—but don’t burn bridges while you’re at it. The fighters we remember most are the ones who walk away from chaos with grace.

Ben Whittaker has the tools to go far—his skillset is rare, and his charisma undeniable. But if he continues down this road, he risks becoming a highlight reel for all the wrong reasons. Boxing loves boldness, but it rewards balance. Respect, discipline, and maturity are just as important as footwork, timing, and power.

It’s easy to be loud. It’s harder—and far more valuable—to be respected.