Imam Khataev’s first-round knockout of Padraig McCrory last night in Quebec has given George Kambosos Jr fresh ammunition to push for a Ben Whittaker rematch, potentially for the IBF light heavyweight title.
The Tokyo 2020 bronze medalist finished McCrory in 69 seconds, recording his third straight early knockout and second consecutive first-round finish. Whittaker would face a dangerous puncher whose professional form is adding urgency to a meeting between the former Olympic opponents.
“Bivol ain’t fighting Ben! Most likely the belt gets vacated!” Kambosos posted on X. “No running like the Olympic ring, the Olympic rematch over 12!! Khataev vs Whittaker for the IBF World Title.”
Kambosos listed Whittaker at No. 1 and Khataev at No. 3, with the second position vacant. His proposed title fight depends on Dmitry Bivol relinquishing the belt and the IBF ordering that matchup. Neither outcome is established by his post.
Their Olympic semifinal gives the rematch a ready-made story. Whittaker won a 4-1 split decision, using movement to keep Khataev from consistently working at close range. Khataev took the opening round on three judges’ cards before Whittaker recovered to win.
Some viewers preferred Khataev’s pressure, believing he deserved more credit for forcing the action while Whittaker repeatedly moved away from contact. That disagreement would follow them into a professional rematch.
The harder question for Whittaker is whether he could sustain that approach over 12 rounds. His difficult finish against Conor Wallace showed how vulnerable he can become when an opponent keeps pressing late. Khataev would have considerably more time than he had in Tokyo to attack the body and make the movement costly.
Comparisons with a younger Artur Beterbiev reflect Khataev’s strength and destructive punching, although he still has to prove himself against the division’s best.
McCrory’s quick defeat cannot establish how Khataev would handle Whittaker’s movement. It does make the rematch more appealing—and gives Whittaker a reason to prepare for pressure that could last far beyond three rounds.