Lee weighs in on Whittaker's next steps as partnership blossoms

Ben Whittaker could face off with either Anthony Yarde or Craig Richards later this year, with trainer Andy Lee namechecking the pair as potential foes.

'The Surgeon' added another impressive knockout to his record last Saturday as he made light work of Braian Suarez at Liverpool's M&S Bank Arena.

Despite questions over the legitimacy of the West Bromwich man's finishing blow, it marked another early finish since linking up with Lee three fights ago.

Whittaker will next make his American debut in late June, but already, his top cornerman has his eyes on a major domestic scalp for when he returns.

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"Look at the light-heavyweight division in this country," Lee said on DAZN after victory in Merseyside. "It’s been one of the best weight classes for years.

"[Original headliner] Callum Smith couldn't fight tonight, but you've got Buatsi, Yarde, Richards, and so on. Some of the best light-heavies are from this country. 

“Right now, Callum is a level above. Anthony Yarde is a good fight, or Richards. He’s going to America next [...] then come back and fight one of those guys.”

Whittaker needed only a few seconds to stop Suarez, landing a big right hand in the opening round to leave his opponent on the floor and unable to continue.

Having seemingly answered his critics since his top-rope tumble and draw in his first bout with Liam Cameron, the star is enjoying a prosperous partnership with Lee.

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