This uncertainty does not necessarily reflect Whittaker himself. In boxing, the direction of a fighter’s career is usually shaped by promoters and matchmakers, especially in the beginning. The result in this case was a series of fights designed more as exhibitions than meaningful tests against rivals.

“I have to activate him because he is not vigorous enough and it is an crucial year for Ben Whittaker,” Hearn told The Stomping Ground.

Ben’s style often made these fights fun. He is a skillful boxer with quick hands and robust reflexes, and these qualities provided the highlights that helped him build his Matchroom profile. At the same time, his matchmaking rarely pits him against opponents capable of forcing changes that reveal a fighter’s true level.

This becomes crucial because reflex-based fighters typically perform best in their early 20s. The combination of speed, timing and movement is most effective before these responses begin to sluggish down in an athlete in their 30s. As Whittaker approached this stage of his career, the lack of a clear, advancing opponent became increasingly noticeable.

By comparison, former Olympic champions often entered arduous fights much earlier in their professional careers. Four years after starting his professional career Sugar Ray Leonard he has already won the world title and shared the ring with Roberto Durán twice. Whittaker’s career was much slower.

Hearn admitted in a recent interview that Whittaker had not been vigorous enough and suggested Matchroom could announce two fights close to each other to build momentum. This approach may keep him busy, but will still leave the main issue unresolved if his opponent remains below his rival’s level.

“We can actually announce two fights in a reasonable order because I need to escalate his activity,” Hearn said.

Until Whittaker faces an opponent who can push him through a competitive multi-round fight, the debate about his true standing in the division will likely continue. The talent is evident. What remains unclear is how this talent will fare when the opponent’s level eventually increases. Whittaker clearly did not have the right selection of fighters to prepare him for fights with David Benavidez, David Morrell or Dmitry Bivol.

Jermall Charlo may get a chance to become the world champion in three weight categories.

Charlo made his long-awaited return to the ring last May, defeating Thomas LaManna by sixth-round stoppage.

It was his second fight at 168 pounds and only his third since June 2021, after previously reigning as the IBF super welterweight and WBC middleweight champion before a lengthy layoff due to injury and mental health issues.

Now he may get a chance to add the WBA super middleweight title to that list This was reported by Inside The Ring that he is in talks with Armando Resendiz at the Gilberto Ramirez vs. David Benavidez gala, which will take place on May 2 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Resendiz won the WBA interim 168-pound belt the upset victory over Caleb Plant last year, This victory actually ruined plans for a fight between Plant and Charlo.

Nearly a year later, Mexican Resendiz is likely to secure the fight against Charlo himself, which will be the first defense of his WBA title after being elevated from interim status and given the vacant belt following Terence Crawford’s retirement in December.

It would be a tough test against Charlo, who is ranked third in the WBA league. Despite his inaction, the American still has an undefeated record of 34-0, defeating the likes of Jose Benavidez Jr, Sergiy Derevyanchenko, Matt Korobov and Austin Trout. Resendiz will be looking to capitalize on ring rust to record a win over a standout name.

A possible championship clash would be a sturdy addition to the Las Vegas card before Ramirez puts his WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles against Benavidez in the main event.

In a recent pre-fight interview, Martinez made it clear that he is already thinking about the opponents who may be waiting for him if he continues to win.

“Canelo can win, Mbilli can win,” Martinez told La Hora del Boxeo. “A fight with either of these two would really benefit me. We’ll be ready to win.”

These names reflect the reality of the super middleweight division. Canelo Alvarez remains the centerpiece at 168 pounds, with the biggest fights in the weight class often hinged on the Mexican star’s next move. Christian Mbilli has also proven to be one of the most perilous fighters in this division, with the pressure and activity making him a arduous opponent for any fighter in this weight class.

Martinez already shares unfinished business with Mbilli. In September 2025, the two fought to a 12-round draw, a fight that raised Martinez’s prestige after many observers felt he had done enough to win. The competition helped introduce the Guatemalan challenger to a wider audience and permanently placed him among the top contenders in the super middleweight division.

Before any of these possibilities materialize, Martinez must first deal with Aleem, a veteran who has faced prospects and challengers across the division over the years. The experienced American has shared the ring with several notable opponents and brings durability and ring knowledge that could test Martinez during the fight.

Still, Martinez sees an interim title fight as a chance to get one step closer to the fights he ultimately wants. With the division’s biggest prizes tied to a diminutive group of elite names, the undefeated fighter believes the only way to get into those conversations is to keep winning.

A win wouldn’t secure those fights, but it would allow Martinez to move towards his best opportunities in the super middleweight division.