Billed as the toughest test of his professional career so far, Ben Whittaker meets Conor Wallace in a 12-round IBF light-heavyweight final eliminator at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham.

A victory puts the undefeated Birmingham man firmly into the world title picture, moving him one step closer to a mandatory shot. To get there, he must navigate past the Australia-based Irishman. Wallace (17-1) is a rangy southpaw and pressure fighter who, on paper, represents a step up in class from the ‘The Surgeon’s previous opposition.

However, he is yet to fight on a stage like this, and Whittaker has looked better and better under trainer Andy Lee, scoring four knockouts in four fights as he continues to build his fanbase.

The Matchroom main event promises a stark clash of styles: The hometown fighter’s unorthodox movement and explosive shot selection against the visitor’s disciplined distance control and steady output. The winner will be number one contender for the belt currently held by Dmitry Bivol, who is set to defend it against Callum Smith this December.

Boxing News will provide live round-by-round scoring for the fight below.

Ben Whittaker vs Conor Wallace live scorecard

This is a Boxing News live scorecard and not the official score from the judges.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Total Whittaker Wallace

10	10	10	10	10	10	10	10	10	9	9	9	117
9	9	9	9	9	9	9	9	9	10	10	10	111

Ben Whittaker vs Conor Wallace fight result

Whittaker UD. 117-11, 116-112, 115-113.

It was a showcase for Whittaker through nine, too slick and clever for Wallace, but the away fighter turned the tide in the tenth and began connecting. The Brit needed the final bell desperately, and was helped along by the fact Wallace looked to have exhausted himself. The Birgmingham man held on – literally – and is due a world title shot next year. The level there will be much higher than this, particularly if Dmitry Bivol still holds the belt.