Ben Whittaker vs Conor Wallace IBF eliminator set for October 3

Ben Whittaker is set to fight Conor Wallace in an IBF heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light heavyweight eliminator on October 3 at Birmingham's Utilita Arena, according to TalkSPORT.

The report indicates both camps are in advanced negotiations for the bout, which would put the winner in line for a crack at the vacant IBF title. Wallace, 30, carries a 17-1 record with 12 knockouts but has never fought outside Australia. His most notable win came against Jerome Pampellone earlier this year, and he currently sits higher than Whittaker in the IBF rankings despite the slimmer résumé.

Whittaker riding four straight stoppages

Whittaker has finished his last four opponents inside two rounds, starting with the Liam Cameron rematch and continuing through last month's destruction of Richard Rivera at Barclays Center. The Tokyo Olympic silver medalist now holds a 12-0-1 mark with nine knockouts and appears to have found his rhythm as a professional, though Wallace does not figure to provide the top-tier test many have been waiting for.

If the fight is finalized, it would mark Whittaker's third outing in six months. The eliminator was ordered after Michael Eifert vacated his spot in the IBF rankings, opening the door for both men to chase the belt.

Reported via:

• Bad Left Hook — Ben Whittaker vs Conor Wallace IBF eliminator planned for October 3rd