Right-Wing Author Brett Whitford Challenges NRL Legend Luke Bateman to Charity Boxing Match

# Whitford is currently training with Australia's No.1 boxing champ Tim Tszyu & the legendary Jeff Fenech
# Whitford is a vocal advocate of the 'anti-woke' movement and free speech
# The libertarian author was recently banned from the Byron Bay Writer's Festival because of his views 
# Charity bout is set take place in October 2026

Right-wing Author and Academic Brett Whitford - also known as B.Beaumont Whitford on social media - has extended a public invitation to former NRL player and star of The Bachelor Luke Bateman to participate in a charity boxing match in October 2026.

Whitford was joined this week for the announcement by Tim Tszyu himself, fresh from his win on Sunday night over the U. S's Errol Spence Jr after their Middleweight bout in Sydney, as well as Tim's coach, boxing legend Jeff Fenech.

As a vocal advocate for what he describes as "anti-woke' perspectives in literature and public debate, Whitford said the proposed charity fight is intended to raise funds for worthy causes whilst highlighting the value of spirited public discourse.

Whitford has previously sought many opportunities to debate Bateman on issues relating to book selection, free speech, and cultural discussions surrounding "woke" and "anti-woke" viewpoints. To date, those debates have not eventuated, hence the different approach in support of charity.

'I'm keen to bring back the Hemingway days of great literary feuds. If Luke intends to be a published author one day, he should read history and realise I'm inviting him, Hemingway-style, to participate in a time honoured tradition,' Whitford said. 

'I've been trying to engage Luke in a debate for months now and have been ignored, so I thought a charity boxing match could be a fun and positive way to raise money, attract public interest, and support a good cause."

The proposed bout is set to take place in October 2026 to allow Whitford and Bateman time to prepare. 

TO INTERVIEW BRETT WHITFORD, JEFF FENECH, OR TIM TSZYU:  email marta@marksonsparks.com or call Marta Wiacek on 0409 291 785, or email max@marksonsparks.com or call Max Markson on 0412 501 601.