Kicking off a new series exploring the relationship between football and those outside the game, we caught up with British Olympic silver medallist and one of boxing's most entertaining personalities, Ben Whittaker.
Known for his flair in the ring, Whittaker's connection to the game runs far deeper than a casual interest, stretching back to chaotic Black Country derbies, weekends spent watching Wolves, and a football obsession that's recently been reignited by Fantasy Premier League and late-night EAFC sessions.
From idolising Cesc Fàbregas and Fernando Torres to working matchdays alongside his dad at Molineux, Whittaker's football story is packed with the same passion and personality that have made him such a captivating figure in sport. Speaking as part of our new interview series, he reflects on the players who shaped his love for the game, the importance of supporters, and why football remains a constant thread running through family life, even amidst the demands of life as a professional fighter.
What is your earliest football memory?
Probably going down to watch Wolves. I remember I went to a derby actually — Wolves versus West Brom — and it was madness. I didn’t really know what was going on, but it was crazy. Ever since then, I’ve been hooked on football.
What does your relationship with football look like today, now that you’re a fighter?
I think football’s slowly starting to take over my life again, especially with FPL. I finished sparring the other day, looked at my girlfriend and said, “I’m scared for my FPL team.” So now that that’s there, I’m really big on football again.
And EAFC 27 — that’s all we do at night. It’s either Fortnite or we’re playing EAFC.
Was there a player or a moment that really made you fall in love with football?
I’d say, player-wise, Cesc Fàbregas is my favourite player. Just everything about him was amazing. And then, weirdly, thinking about it, I’d say Fernando Torres when he came to the Premier League with Liverpool. That blonde, long hair, the hairband… he was ridiculous. He was crazy.
So watching him, I was kind of a phase fan, to be fair, jumping from team to team. When he was there, I supported Liverpool. Then when he moved to Chelsea, I liked Chelsea. And I’ve ended up with Tottenham now.
What part of football culture interests you most, away from what’s going on on the pitch?
That’s a very good question. Probably the passion you get from the fans. I used to work at the Wolves ground, doing security alongside my dad. He used to work in the tunnel, so he’d be looking after the players, but I was out there, fighting for my life!
I’d say just seeing the passion of the fans — they turn up each week, no matter if it’s a win, loss, or draw, and they get behind the players. The fans are the main part of it, really. They turn up and scream for the players week in, week out. It’s good to see.
Has football influenced your own work or creativity in any way?
I’d say the culture around it has. Each sport is different, but at the top levels all athletes make sacrifices. Seeing what professional footballers do, how they work, how they train — it’s inspiring. It’s good to see.
You spoke about Fàbregas, Torres, etc. Was there any other player in the past — like a legend — who you found really interesting?
It’s got to be Fàbregas. I know I mentioned him before, but he was just on another level in terms of influence for me. I also liked Ronaldinho, Ronaldo — all these flair players.
But Cesc Fàbregas, for me, was very plain, and that’s what I loved about him. He was just so good. That’s why I liked Arsenal at the time as well. He was only young, but he was amazing. And that team, man — they should have won a lot more.
Is there a piece of memorabilia or a football shirt that you own that really means something to you?
I’d say probably a Tottenham shirt I’ve got — that obviously means something. But the best memorabilia I’ve got is probably my Rashford collection. I’ve got a couple of team shirts with him on: I’ve got Rashford at Villa, Rashford at Barça. I need to get a Rashford at Man United next, with the new number as well.
If you could go back and experience one match from football history, what would it be?
I’d like to go to the one — I think it was 4–4 — when David Bentley scored for Tottenham against Arsenal. I remember that. That game was ridiculous. I’d say 100% that one. I watched it live with my dad.
If not that, then I’d say one of the old-school classic El Clásicos, when Ronaldo and Messi played. That would have been amazing to see. But if I had to pick one, then 100% it would be that North London Derby. That game was crazy.
Finally, what does football mean to you?
What does football mean to me… that’s a very good question. Oh, that’s a hard question actually.
I’d say family and a way of life, actually. Growing up, watching it on the box each Saturday and Sunday — that’s when your family would come together. It was either that or EastEnders in our house. That’s when you’d sit there and actually have some family time, have a bit of banter, and watch something together for 90 minutes. It was a good time.
Even now, with my missus’ dad, the first thing we talk about is football. It’s always a part of life.
Ben Whittaker v Conor Wallace is live on DAZN this Saturday, 3 October.
