Eddie Hearn Outlines Five-Fight Path to Elevate Ben Whittaker to the Top

Eddie Hearn has put forth a strategic plan to elevate Ben Whittaker in the boxing arena. Hearn envisions a five-fight trajectory that will launch Whittaker to stardom, potentially positioning him as Britain’s next boxing sensation.

Whittaker’s Professional Journey

The 28-year-old from West Bromwich began his professional career in July 2022. Initially, he fought under Ben Shalom and Boxxer, where he completed 10 matches. His last bout with Boxxer was a victory over Liam Cameron on April 20, 2023. Recognized as a promising talent following his silver medal win at the Tokyo Olympics, Whittaker was highly sought after by prominent promoters.

Transition to Matchroom

Hearn reported that he had encouraged Whittaker to sign with Boxxer back in 2022 due to financial constraints. Despite Matchroom’s interest and prior arrangements, Shalom’s more lucrative offer influenced Whittaker’s decision at that time. However, this Saturday, Whittaker will make his debut with Matchroom, headlining against Germany’s Benjamin Gavazi at Birmingham’s BP Pulse Arena.

Future Fight Schedule

• First Match: Against Benjamin Gavazi on Saturday night.
• Planned Fights: November and February 2024, possibly including a bout in America.

Hearn expressed optimism about Whittaker’s performance, emphasizing the need for him to shine in his upcoming fight. He also noted that better planning and scheduling will aid Whittaker’s development moving forward. Unlike his experience with Boxxer, where the planning felt inconsistent, Matchroom aims to provide a clear path for progression.

Five-Fight Path to the Top

Hearn outlined a five-fight plan for Whittaker on his journey to the top. He stated, “I would say give us between three and five fights.” This timeline depends on the division’s champions and their availability. Hearn detailed the three competitive levels within the light-heavyweight division:

• Domestic Level: Fighters like Craig Richards, Dan Azeez, Zach Parker, and Willy Hutchinson.
• Intermediate Level: Includes Callum Smith and Anthony Yarde.
• Top Tier: Champions such as Dmitry Bivol, Artur Beterbiev, and David Benavidez.

Hearn believes Whittaker will eventually compete with top-tier fighters, forecasting that by 2026, he could be ready for significant title fights.

Conclusion

With a meticulous plan in place, Eddie Hearn is confident that Ben Whittaker will ascend to the ranks of British boxing legends. As fans anticipate his debut with Matchroom, the focus will be on his performance and how quickly he navigates through the competitive landscape of the light-heavyweight division.