Three fights for Ben Whittaker in 2026 after incredible first round win

Ben Whittaker delighted his Birmingham audience when he produced one of the best knockouts of the year with a first-round win over Benjamin Gavazi. 

The unbeaten star made his Matchroom debut and impressed, but what could be next? 

Here, DAZN News looks at three options for the 2020 Olympic star. 

Anthony Yarde 

The London star, a three-time world title challenger, could be on the final lap of his career following his most recent defeat to David Benavidez. 

Whittaker has big aspirations to move to world level, and moving past Anthony Yarde on the way could be the perfect measuring stick performance before he is ready for world level. 

Joshua Buatsi 

Queensberry/Leigh Dawney

A battle of Olympic medallists at different stages of their careers could be big business if Whittaker and Joshua Buatsi meet at some time next year. 

Despite their Olympic cycles only being four years apart, these two look to be at contrasting ends of the sport, with Buatsi seemingly damaged from his battle with Callum Smith based on his performance against Zach Parker, where he was fortunate to receive the nod. 

Whittaker’s freshness could be key against Buatsi , and a convincing win over the Croydon man could elevate him. 

Willy Hutchinson  

For an entertaining build-up that could attract a huge casual audience, Whittaker’s exchanges with the confident Willy Hutchinson could bring better action outside the ring. 

Hutchinson fully believes that he has what it takes to reach world level, and if he and Whittaker compete where the winner pushes on, the victor would also receive a nice profile boost due to the pre-fight bravado. 

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