Ben Whittaker issues message to rivals ahead of blockbuster 2026 after Benjamin Gavazi win

Ben Whittaker has put his light-heavyweight rivals on notice after victory over Benjamin Gavazi, stating that he didn't "get Olympic medals for hopping around on one foot."

The Tokyo 2020 silver hero made a barnstorming start to life with Matchroom as he delivered a debut performance to remember with a one-round knockout on Saturday.

Triumph at Birmingham's bp pulse LIVE in such ruthless fashion has further underscored the star's growing stock in a division littered with domestic and international rivals.

Speaking in the ring afterwards, Whittaker fired a warning to those who want to face him, and promised a 2026 to remember after ending Gavazi's nineteen-bout win streak.

"When you walk out pretty like that, you've got to back it up, and that's what I did," he told DAZN. "At the end of the day, he was game.

"This was an opportunity to change his life. But I'm a person that has got everything to lose. It's good that I got a highlight there [with the knockout].

"Twenty fights and he's only lost one, but I said I was going to show something special, show that I'm different. You don't get Olympic medals for hopping around on one foot.

"A lot of people are calling me out because I'm the man, and I've only had eleven fights. Whatever's next is next. Enjoy your Christmas, because The Surgeon is back next year."

Sign up to DAZN Ultimate Tier to get PPVs included in your subscription 

Subscribe to DAZN's new Ultimate Tier to get a mimuimn of 12 PPV events included per year, on top of another 185 fight nights. Plus Serie A football, watch on multiple devices, and many more extra benefits.

Sign up for £22.99 in the UK (until December 1, then £24.99) / $44.99 in the U.S. More details here.