Atif Oberlton vows to face anyone at 175lb, with Ben Whittaker a possible foe

The unbeaten Philadelphia light heavyweight, 17-0 with 14 knockouts, said he is targeting the division's belt holders and believes a world title shot is close. He faces Deon Nicholson on 7 November in Albuquerque.

By Combat Sports UK Staff · Published Thu 22 Oct, 21:27 UK · AI-assisted reporting

oberlton eyes world title graphic — Original graphic: Combat Sports UK

Atif Oberlton has said he will fight anyone at light heavyweight, with Ben Whittaker and Dmitry Bivol among the names mentioned as possible future opponents for the unbeaten American.

The 28-year-old from Philadelphia said he has no particular name in mind and will take whoever his team or promoter puts in front of him. He said he is not ducking anybody, whether ranked, the best or above his level, and that anyone wanting his unbeaten record will have to go to war for it. He added that he would remove other contenders from the conversation if needed, but that the champions are his real target. He said: “But the guys holding the hardware are who I’m gunning for. It’s like highway robbery—I’m taking it.” Oberlton, 17-0 with 14 knockouts, faces Deon Nicholson on 7 November in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He had previously said he was only a few fights away from challenging for a world title, and he has won twice since then. He said: “As far as hardware, I think I’m very, very close.” He said he was discussing the timing with his team so that a title shot was not rushed: “I want it to be definitive so nobody has an argument against who I am as a fighter or how great I am.” His two wins this year came against Carlos Gongora, whom he became the first fighter to stop, and Roamer Alexis Angulo, whom he beat over ten rounds. His promoter, Dmitriy Salita, has outlined plans to make Oberlton America's leading light heavyweight.

Oberlton also credited advice from former undisputed champion Terence Crawford on staying relaxed in the ring with making a significant difference to his game. He said he is still working to improve his jab, speed and footwork, and does not feel he has reached his peak in any area.

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Ben Whittaker