Ben Whittaker can be British boxing’s next big star, but he needs to push on

Ben Whittaker headlines his second Matchroom fight card on Saturday night - but already, it feels like 2026 is the year he needs to live up to his superstar billing with a major breakthrough.

'The Surgeon' got his chance to main event at Liverpool's M&S Bank Arena after Callum Smith was forced to withdraw from his bout with the heavy-handed Cuban David Morrell.

When one door closes, another opens - and with the WBO interim light-heavyweight champion off the card, his divisional rival will hope to impress against Braian Suarez instead.

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Whittaker wows on Matchroom debut with first round knockout

Watch Whittaker vs. Gavazi highlights

 

 

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Whittaker is one of modern British boxing's great characters, one whose larger-than-life personality can ignite a room as easily as it can rub others up the wrong way.

But despite all the fanfare surrounding him, it still feels like he is yet to make a breakthrough that can make him a fighter who captures the eyes and ears of the casual boxing fan.

Hearn and Matchroom revive Whittaker’s career

When Whittaker linked up with Matchroom and Eddie Hearn last October, it was a match made in boxing heaven.

Both Hearn and Whittaker have a huge social audience, and neither man is afraid to speak his mind, or take part in outlandish promos.

Whittaker’s announcement video was something akin to a video game. Tapping into the 28-year-old’s passion for anime, Whittaker was portrayed as a beast waiting to be unleashed with piercing red eyes, and after a tenure with Boxxer which failed to impress, it felt like a fresh start for Whittaker.

Facing Benjamin Gavazi in Birmingham a month later, Whittaker made sure he was the talk of the town. A ring walk accompanied by rapper Dizee Rascal followed by a first round knockout ensured that the first task had been ticked off by Hearn and co., and that was to get people talking about Whittaker again.

A US debut and title fights on Whittaker’s 2026 agenda

It’s no secret the light heavyweight division in both the UK and across the world is stacked, and Whittaker needs to force himself into this crowded space.

An overwhelming favourite against Suarez on Merseyside, Whittaker is expected to dazzle, and anything but that will be a disappointment.

If Whittaker manages to add another highlight reel to his CV, it will set him up for a year which could be full of big fights.

First, there is the impending US debut. Hearn will be taking Whittaker across the Atlantic, as long as he wins, on the undercard of Xander Zayas’ world title defence against Jaron Ennis in June, live on DAZN.

Whittaker needs to be on full blast if he is to capture the minds of the American boxing public, who are tough to please, there needs to be outlandish, viral moments aplenty, so Whittaker can stick in the minds of those US fight fans, even if they do detest him.

Then there are the titles. With all the fanfare, Whittaker is yet to win his first title.

For someone who won an Olympic silver medal, this achievement has not fast-tracked him to the sport’s major titles.

Already it appears Whittaker’s team and Matchroom are steering him towards a world title, bypassing the domestic route, but with the likes of Callum Smith, Dmitry Bivol, Artur Beterbiev and David Benavidez a level above Whittaker, there is no rush to put him in a contest which could derail his career.

Instead, he should pursue a British and possibly a European belt. This would continue to test him against top level opposition, whilst also continuing to grow his fanbase and brand before making the jump to world title level.

What would be the perfect 2026 for Ben Whittaker?

So what makes a perfect year for Whittaker?

In the immediate future, another statement performance against Suarez to set up two or three more outings before the year’s end.

Then, grab the US debut with both hands. American boxing fans need the outlandish British fighter to either love or loathe, and Whittaker can satisfy this thirst.

After capturing the attention of the American public, land that first title fight, either domestic or European. This can then act as a platform for an even bigger 2027.

If Whittaker is unable to meet all, or at least some of the above, then he is in danger of quickly entering the state of limbo which he found himself in before joining Matchroom, and it would be a shame for a fighter who is a real character which boxing needs to survive.

Whittaker vs. Suarez only on DAZN 

Watch Ben Whittaker vs. Braian Suarez this Saturday, April 18, only on DAZN subscription. Monthly and annual subscriptions available.

For pricing, more information, and to sign up to watch, click here.