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Eddie Hearn teases date for Ben Whittaker world title challenge
Eddie Hearn is expecting Ben Whittaker to challenge for a light heavyweight world title in 2027 if everything runs smoothly since signing a promotional deal with the Olympic medallist.
Whittaker will make his debut for Matchroom tonight, live and exclusive on DAZN, taking on Benjamin Gavazi in front of a home crowd at Birmingham's bp pulse LIVE.
With a busy 2026 on the horizon, Whittaker will want to put on a show and reiterate why he is one of British boxing's most exciting talents after a stuttering start since turning professional three years ago.
One of the reasons for Hearn signing Whittaker to Matchroom is the fighter's reach. He is a popular character and has already amassed a huge social media following, therefore, sooner rather than later, his fans will want to see him feature in major bouts.
Eddie Hearn expects 'another four or five fights' before Ben Whittaker world title challenge
The light heavyweight division is one of the most talented with the domestic scene alone boasting talented operators, and speaking to Sky Sports, Hearn is aware that Whittaker's progress needs to be perfect when it comes to facing the more established names at 175lbs.
"The progress and the route has got to be perfect," Hearn said. "There's the domestic guys, I'm talking Craig Richards, Dan Azeez, Williy Hutchinson.
"Then you've got the level above which is Callum Smith, Anthony Yarde, Buatsi or Zach Parker. Then you've got Bivol, Beterbiev and Benavidez, which is a whole other ball game."
- Read next | Ben Whittaker's path to the top: When could British star become light-heavyweight world champion?
In Hearn's eyes, Whittaker needs four or five fights before he finds himself fighting at the top level which would make 2027 a realistic goal when it comes to a world title challenge.
"He needs another four or five fights [before a world title]. Can he compete against those guys now? Yeah. Can he beat them? That's a tough challenge," Hearn continued.
"When you have someone like Ben Whittaker we don't want to throw in an opportunity to challenge Benavidez or Bivol ill-equipped, ill-equipped in terms of experience. We've got to be ready," Hearn said.
"It's a brilliant division but one I think he can win a world title in."
Why a Ben Whittaker world title challenge in 2027 is possible
Matt Astbury, DAZN News Sportswriter
A statement win over Benjamin Gavazi tonight will be the perfect set-up for this exciting chapter in Ben Whittaker's career.
Eddie Hearn has made no secret that he wants to keep 'The Surgeon' busy, and three fights in 2026 can be made barring any serious injuries.
When it comes to opponents, there are enough credible names on British shores for Whittaker to test himself against. Perhaps facing the winner of the December 20 main event between Craig Richards and Dan Azeez would be a great start in the first quarter of next year.
Then follow this up with an all-Olympic clash with Joshua Buatsi in an intriguing Matchroom vs. Queensberry matchup before taking on Callum Smith who is probably Britain's best light heavyweight and is on the brink of a world title shot himself.
While the boxing world awaits the move of unified light heavyweight champion Dmitry, a bout between Whittaker and Smith towards the end of 2026 to face Bivol would prove whether 'The Surgeon' can make it at the top.
A win over Smith would then put Whittaker in a prime position to challenge for world honours in 2027 and the road to this moment would have seen the Olympian slowly increase the levels of opponent, and improve with each bout before facing the best of the best.
Watch Whittaker vs. Gavazi with a DAZN subscription
Ben Whittaker makes his Matchroom debut against Benjamin Gavazi exclusively on DAZN this Saturday night, November 29. Watch with a subscription, monthly and annual options available.
