“Three to five fights.” Hearn Says When Whittaker Can Start Chasing Championships

Matchroom Boxing head Eddie Hearn, promoter of British Light Heavyweight Ben Whittaker, said when his fighter will be ready to challenge the division’s elite.

“I’d say give us three to five fights. It all depends on who the champion is. Maybe Michael Eifert fights Conor Wallace for the vacant IBF title, and we could even do that next.

But if we’re talking about Dmitry Bivol, Artur Beterbiev, or David Benavidez — that’s more like five fights. Those guys are the target, but I see this weight class as three levels.

The first level is national fighters: Craig Richards, Dan Azeez, Zach Parker, and Willy Hutchinson. The second is names like Callum Smith and Anthony Yarde. And the top level is Bivol, Beterbiev, and Benavidez. Right now we’re approaching that first level.

In 2026, he’ll take a step up. He’s only had 10 fights, while all these guys have had dozens. But because of Ben’s style, people ask why he isn’t boxing them already. We’ve got something really special — let’s not rush it and go the right way.

Everyone keeps asking me: who’s going to be the next star of British boxing? When they talk about AJ, Naz Hamed, Amir Khan — fighters like that — I believe Ben can be right there with them,” said Hearn.

On the night of November 30, Ben Whittaker (9-0-1, 6 KOs) will fight Germany’s Benjamin Gavazi (19-1, 13 KOs). The bout will be Ben’s Matchroom Boxing debut. Analysis and detailed stats for the matchup can be found via the relevant link under the news story.