Ben Whittaker’s triumphant night in Birmingham took an unexpected and worrying turn after the light heavyweight standout revealed that his home was robbed while he was in the ring facing Benjamin Gavazi. The rising British star scored a sensational first round knockout, but behind the scenes a burglar broke into his home and stole several items including his IBF belt.
Whittaker shared the news after the fight, visibly shocked that someone targeted his home at the exact moment he was competing. For a fighter who has quickly become one of the sport’s most talked about personalities, the incident adds an unfortunate layer to what should have been a purely celebratory night.

SHOP: Kickboxing Equipment
Whittaker’s Reaction to the Stolen IBF Belt
Shortly after the win, Whittaker publicly addressed the situation, explaining that the thief even took his IBF belt, an item with no real value outside of sentimental and symbolic significance. He questioned what anyone could possibly do with something so personal and urged whoever had information to reach out directly, even mentioning that a reward awaits anyone who helps recover it.
His reaction captured both disbelief and frustration, especially considering how much a belt represents to a professional fighter. For Whittaker, who has been building strong momentum since turning professional after his Olympic success, the belt is more than a trophy, it is a marker of his journey and achievements.
Despite the shocking incident, Whittaker’s performance earlier in the night showcased exactly why he is considered one of Britain’s brightest boxing prospects. The first round knockout of Gavazi was clinical and disciplined, showing that he can deliver results without relying on theatrics. It was a statement win that should have been the headline, but real world chaos added an unexpected twist.
Authorities are expected to continue investigating the burglary, while Whittaker remains hopeful that the boxing community, and perhaps even the culprit, will help return what was taken.
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