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Ben Whittaker responds to 'too green' comments from fearsome world champion
Rising British prospect Ben Whittaker supports comments made by WBC light heavyweight champion David Benavidez that he is not ready for a world title shot.
Whittaker is set to embark on a new chapter in his boxing career on Saturday night, live on DAZN, when he faces Benjamin Gavazi in what will be his debut for Eddie Hearn's Matchroom.
After a mixed start to his time in the professional ranks, Whittaker is hoping a win against Gavazi can be the springboard for a big 2026 with promoter Hearn promising plenty of activity and trips overseas.
If all goes well, then Whittaker could find himself in a position to challenge for a world title sooner rather than later, and the prospect of a Wembley Stadium showdown excites Benavidez.
- Read next | David Benavidez keeps the door open for a long-awaited fight despite move to cruiserweight
However, speaking to Froch On Fighting ahead of his meeting with Anthony Yarde on Saturday, Benavidez claimed that Whittaker is 'still too green' for a world title challenge just yet.
With Whittaker being one of boxing's outspoken characters, you would expect him to give a hostile response to Benavidez's comments.
Instead, Whittaker agreed with the American and stated that the real work starts now when it comes to pursuing a world title shot.
"He’s hit the nail on the head. I’m only 10 fights in, he’s a world champion, I’ve still got a lot to tick off, I’ve not done anything in the pro game right now and I know that," Whittaker told Inside the Ring.
"I’ve put some nice reels together, but I want to start getting these accolades now and that starts Saturday.
"When these top guys are mentioning me already, it shows I’m doing something right and hopefully that’s a fight down the line we can tick off."
While Benvaidez may be in Whittaker's sights, he will have a long wait until a possible clash with 'The Mexican Monster'.
Following his stoppage win against Anthony Yarde this past weekend, Benavidez announced that he will be moving to cruiserweight in 2026 to face unified champion Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez who holds the WBA and WBO titles.
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Ben Whittaker makes his Matchroom debut against Benjamin Gavazi exclusively on DAZN. Watch with a subscription, monthly and annual options available.
