Charles ‘Killa’ Whittaker showed commendable warrior-like bravery but ultimately all the disadvantages weighed against him and he lost the biggest fight of his career.
The 38-year-old West Bayer was in a final eliminator for a world title shot in the International Boxing Federation junior-middleweight division against Gabriel Rosado. The winner of the bout at Sands Casino Resort in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania on Friday night would earn the right to challenge 154 pound champ Cornelius ‘K9’ Bundrage for the world title but Whittaker’s dreams were shattered as Rosado crashed home unanswered shots in the tenth round forcing referee Steve Smoger to halt it after 1 minute 50 seconds.
Not only was Whittaker 12 years older, he hadn’t fought for almost a year, was boxing in Rosado’s hometown and despite being No.2 in the IBF rankings (Rosado was No.3), was only getting a purse of $6,000 – and his opponent earned considerably more.
Despite all the distractions and problems leading up to the bout, Whittaker, his trainer Norman Wilson and advisor Raul Alvarez remained focused and positive. But it wasn’t quite enough.
Rosado improved his record to 21-5, 13 KOs and Killa’s record now stands at 36-13-2, 21 KOs in a career that started 19 years ago.
Rosado dropped Whittaker near the end of round five, but the Cayman Islands veteran rocked the Puerto Rican-American with a left hook at the bell. It was his first and only glimpse of a potential upset. Rosado dropped the incredibly game Whittaker again in the seventh and twice in the tenth before it was stopped.
A triumphant Rosado said: “Charles Whittaker is really a true warrior. He came to fight and I’ve got a lot of respect for him.”
Whittaker said: “I’m disappointed but this comes with the territory. You win some, you lose some. Respect to Gabriel Rosado. He is a young, tough kid. I’m 38 and may now concentrate on working with young kids in the Cayman Islands.
“I have nothing to be ashamed of and give God the glory for getting me this far.”
Troy O’Neil is a former Caribbean amateur light-heavyweight novice champion who now coaches at the D. Dalmain Ebanks gym in George Town with Whittaker.
He said: “Charles did good. He stunned Rosado at the end of the fifth and if he had come out at the start of the sixth and given it his all he might have stopped him.
“If Charles wants to try one last time I support him and if he doesn’t then youngsters like Dariel Ebanks and Kendall Ebanks will benefit from his coaching.”
Related Videos
It will of course be misinterpreted, but I certainly do not wish my children or grandchildren to take this photo as a role model. What do other parents think?
Its not a misinterpretation, you have to remember he is an athlete who has worked very hard and also represents our country internationally… for you to say this photo doesnt show a row model is ludicrous. There are photos of this calibre of the great Mohammed Ali who is a role model. Mr Whittaker has not been more than just an athlete and an ambassador at home and abroad and you should be happy for your children to have a home grown Role Model to aspire in their own rights to achieve similar status. #getAgripNstopTrynaBringYaOwnDown
Old Hand…are you a Caymanian or an expat?
He is a role model!! Why the negativity, I wish the likes of you would stop putting our own down.
I am a true Caymanian, and I have known Charles all his life. I am very proud of how far he has gotten in his career, and you know what he got there by hard work, and dedication, he promoted himself. He didn’t get this far by very much support as he should have received from Government and he wasn’t as fortunate as some other athletes.
Charles is my CHAMPION, and he has other supporters who will not pass negativity remarks like you.
You need get a life!!
@Old Hand: What is wrong with the picture of Charles? It seems like a great picture of a boxer and an example of someone working hard and loving what they do. Why should he not be a role model for youth?
@Caymaniantothebone: Why the question of Caymanian or Expat? I’m an expat and think there is nothing wrong with Charles being a role model. You cannot dispute his invaluable experience and think he could be a perfect example of what happens when someone dedicates their life to something they love. Why does the question of where someone was born needs to be included when discussing the future of ANY youth?
CaymanianAbroad’s response says it all – tell our children that beating someone bloody is a good way to earn a living will surely bring them up to be true Caymanians. No more needs to be said.
@ Old Hand, if you have heard of Mr. Whittaker randomly attacking people on the street or fighting in a non profeesional sense than by all means hold your views. Howeve as it is a professional international sport most recently seen in the London Olympics how about you take it up with the international governing body on its barbaric measures again any thing to find fault in others when thier determination and skill have propelled them into the lime light, i beg to ask what have you done to bring Cayman to the international scene positively in sport or otherwise?