Ben Whittaker had a freak incident in the fifth round of his fight with Liam Cameron in Saudi Arabia. The youthful Briton, who gained a reputation for flamboyant antics, left the ring in a wheelchair after both fighters tumbled dramatically across the ropes.

Whittaker was the favorite for the fight, which took place in Saudi Arabia ahead of the highly anticipated clash between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. However, a strange incident in the fifth round caused the fight to be stopped in an unusual way.

Both fighters seemed about to connect in the clinch, but ended up flying over the top rope and crashing on the edge of the canvas outside the ring. Cameron was able to get back to his feet, but Whittaker remained on the ground and was clearly in some discomfort.

The 27-year-old required treatment for an apparent ankle injury and was left on his back for several minutes. He was finally helped back to the corner and the referee stopped the fight after a moment’s consideration.

Instead of being declared a no contest, the matter went on the judges’ scorecards and the result was reported as a technical draw. Cameron was furious with the result and waved his arms in frustration, clearly feeling that he should have won the fight.

Meanwhile, Whittaker was wheeled out of the arena in a wheelchair with his left ankle extended. He won the first round, but it was a close fight for the remaining four rounds, with Cameron more than holding his own against the former Olympic medalist.

MORE TO WATCH

“AJ” fell four times during the competition at the national stadium before his rival finished the job 59 seconds into the fifth round. This knockout victory meant that Dubois retained the IBF heavyweight title, which he held on an interim basis.

Joshua entered the fight as the favorite, especially since he had a four-fight unbeaten streak after consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk. The Watford-born superstar sent former UFC champion Francis Ngannou to his final fight, restoring his status as one of the most feared heavyweights in the world.

However, the defeat to Dubois leaves the 34-year-old with some decisions to make as he considers his next options. With his client already having a rematch clause, promoter Hearn told DAZN: “Like all these fights, the man in the middle is his excellency, so Frank and I don’t always talk about doing the fight.

“It is His Excellency who is talking to Frank, he is talking to me and of course we are also talking – we are keeping everyone updated,” he continued, explaining that talks are ongoing behind the scenes. So there is a certain period of time during which AJ’s contract in which he must make a decision.

“It’s not over yet, but he’s thinking strenuous, resting his body and wondering what he’ll do. This is still pretty fresh, just three weeks ago [loss against Dubois]. He is devastated by the defeat. Daniel’s had a great time in Brazil as the fresh champion and he fully deserved it.

He added: “So we’ll see, I think that’s the right answer. This is an crucial decision for Anthony, the Fury-Usyk fight is approaching. There are options for him but I don’t think there is a right or wrong decision, honestly we will have to see what happens in the next few weeks.

Hearn, in a less timid response earlier, suggested that Joshua is definitely considering returning to the ring against Dubois in the future. He informed Heavenly sports: “When you start thinking about it, I don’t think you should make a bad decision.

“I know he’s leaning towards a rematch. Because he wants to win the world heavyweight title – instead of fighting [Deontay] Wild [or] I’m waiting for [Tyson] Fury.”

The Matchbox Boxing representative added: “And then the whole next year will be full of excitement, not a fight for the world heavyweight title. If it’s all up to AJ, and it will be eventually, I think it will all work out.” It will be very hard to dissuade him from taking part in the rematch.”

According to the former trainer of the boxing legend, the fight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul could end in 30 seconds. The fight between the former heavyweight world champion and the boxer turned YouTuber will take place on November 15.

The original July date was shelved after Tyson, 58, was diagnosed with a flare-up of his peptic ulcer. Given his age, 31 years older than Paul, there are question marks over whether Iron Mike should step into the ring at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Former three-division world champion Jeff Fenech knows Tyson well, having trained “The Baddest Man on the Planet” towards the end of his professional career in the mid-2000s. The Australian, who was in Tyson’s corner for his last professional fight – a knockout defeat to Kevin McBride in 2005 – has reservations but believes it could be a low and simple evening for his friend if he is clever.

“If it was my decision, I would definitely prefer him not to fight at all, but he will fight,” Fenech told reporters Mirror. “I talked to him about the fight. Realistically, if Mike enjoys working upstairs and nothing else and does the right thing, this could be the easiest money he’s ever made.

“When you both throw punches, it will be 50/50 who lands. But if Mike concentrates and makes him miss and then pays… Mike is an expert at this, he has great head movement.

If he does it in 30 seconds, the fight can be over in 30 seconds. Mike just needs to utilize common sense, not try to hit when he hits, make him miss and make him pay.

Paul, whose only career defeat was to Tommy Fury, has never boxed anyone in Tyson’s class. Fenech believes that the 27-year-old will not be able to cope with his opponent’s strength.

“Jake Paul has no boxing skills or knowledge,” added Fenech, 60. “I watched him but anyone can hit a pad or a bag, or someone who really can’t fight. When you are bigger and stronger, everything is fine.

“But Mike, as a heavyweight, was a great defensive player. He could slip and make people miss. If he does this and lands a counterattack, the fight will be over.

“There is no chance in the world that Jake Paul could take a Mike Tyson hook, a Mike Tyson right hand, or a Mike Tyson uppercut. I hope so [for]. I love Mike, he’s a great friend, he’s like family to me. I just hope everything goes well.