The winner would become the mandatory challenger for unified IBF, WBA and Ring light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol.

Wallace is ranked No. 2 by the IBF and brings a 17-1 (13 KOs) record into the bout, while Whittaker sits at No. 3.

Since winning silver at the Tokyo Olympics, the unbeaten 29-year-old Whittaker has become one of British boxing’s most heavily scrutinized figures. He has won four straight by stoppage, extending that streak in June with a second-round knockout of Richard Rivera to retain his WBC Silver light heavyweight title. Before that, he scored early knockout victories over Braian Nahuel Suarez and Benjamin Gavazi, along with a second-round technical knockout of Liam Cameron in their April 2025 rematch in Birmingham.

A victory over Wallace would move Whittaker within one fight of a world title opportunity against Bivol, who remains the division’s unified champion. The bout has not been officially announced.

Wallace would represent the toughest opponent of Whittaker’s career. A victory would strengthen his case as a legitimate world-title contender and secure his place as Bivol’s mandatory challenger.

Ben Whittaker is reportedly in advanced negotiations to fight Conor Wallace in an IBF light heavyweight title final eliminator on October 3rd in Birmingham, England. pic.twitter.com/BdwOUazpmE

— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) July 14, 2026

Ruiz (35-2-1, 22 KOs), who signed with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom last week, hasn’t fought since battling Jarrell Miller to a majority draw in August 2024. The 36-year-old is looking to restart his career after injuries and inactivity stalled the momentum he built from his stunning upset of Anthony Joshua in 2019.

Knyba (17-1, 11 KOs), a 6-foot-7 Polish heavyweight whose lone defeat came against Agit Kabayel in January in a fight for the interim WBC title. Before that setback, Knyba had won all 17 of his professional bouts.

“I’m going to be fighting in Newark, New Jersey on September 4, baby,” said Ruiz. “After we get this victory, I would love to fight all the guys that have the belts Oleksandr Usyk vacated, and we’re going to become a two-time champion next year, let’s get it.”

Knyba welcomed the opportunity to fight in front of another large New Jersey crowd.

“I can’t wait to be back at the Prudential Center, my second home,” said Knyba. “I’m excited to be back in the ring in front of the New Jersey and New York fans, and they will fill the seats with white and red.”

The co-feature matches another recent Matchroom signing, Vito Mielnicki Jr. (23-1, 13 KOs), against former world title challenger Austin “Ammo” Williams (20-2, 13 KOs) in a middleweight bout with major implications for both fighters. Newark prospect Zaquin Moses (7-0, 3 KOs) also returns home for his first scheduled eight-round contest.

James Dean Fury has become the latest member of his fighting family to put pen to paper, signing a long-term promotional deal with Ben Shalom’s Boxxer.

The 20-year-old is a three-time national amateur champion and 2025 Box Cup winner, now looking to make a seismic splash in the professional code.

Trained by uncle Peter Fury, the talented super-middleweight prospect makes his pro debut next month, featuring on the undercard of Troy Williamson vs Callum Simpson 2.

This event, which takes place at Leeds’ First Direct Arena on August 8, will also mark Boxxer’s first show on DAZN.

In typical Fury fashion, James Dean comes with no shortage of confidence as he expects to not only become a world champion, but also take the 168lb division by storm.

“I’m very grateful for this opportunity. I’d like to thank my uncle Peter, Boxxer, Ben Shalom and [manager] Mick Hennessy for making this possible.

“My goal is to go all the way. I want to win world titles and become the best fighter I can be. I train hard, I’m dedicated and I’m prepared to do whatever it takes to reach the top.

“I’m excited to start this journey in Leeds on August 8 and put on a good performance for the fans. The super-middleweight division is full of great fighters, but I believe the best version of me is going to wipe everyone out.”

As the cousin of two-time heavyweight champion Tyson, there will surely be a measure of pressure as the young Fury makes his debut in August.

Thankfully, though, his promising career is being guided by esteemed coach Peter, who comes off a remarkable performance in the corner of Rico Verhoeven in May.

In fact, the former kickboxing champion came tantalisingly close to pulling off a major upset against Oleksandr Usykwho ultimately scored an 11th-round stoppage victory.