Promoter Eddie Hearn believes his modern signing, Ben Whittaker, is “generational talent” who will be ready to fight elite delicate heavyweights within five fights. Ben is under a lot of pressure, with Hearn labeling him a “generational” fighter.
Whittaker’s delicate heavyweight fight against Benjamin Gavazi on Saturday will prove whether Hearn is right about the 2020 Olympic silver medalist. Many fans already believe he made a mistake signing him to a long-term contract with Matchroom.
“He’s a guy who has it all. We’ve seen profiles of him on social media. But I like him because I think he’s a world-class fighter,” Eddie Hearn told Rachel Rose Boxing YouTube channel, talking about Ben Whittaker ahead of his Saturday fight with Benjamin Gavazi.
The 28-year-old Whittaker (9-0-1, 6 KO) will face Gavazi (19-1, 13 KO) in a 10-round fight at the National Exhibition Center in Birmingham, England.
Whittaker looked good in his last fight, knocking out Liam Cameron in the second round in a rematch on April 20, 2025. However, in the first fight, Whittaker had problems with the pressure that Cameron was putting on him, and strangely fell out of the ring in the sixth round. He was injured in the fall. Fans took this as a sign that Ben had mentally given up.
“I believe he can become world champion. This is the first part of his journey with us. Mainly because it’s the British public who don’t like flash,” Hearn said of the criticism Whittaker receives from fans for his performances.
Whittaker’s age makes it essential that Hearn doesn’t take a ponderous approach with him as he nears 30 years of age. It cannot be introduced slowly like other players who are just starting out.
“He was so good at it. It wasn’t like he did it and got hit. I look at it like, ‘Look at this brilliant bitch.’ On the other hand, I think, “We should have it.” And then I see his social media going up and up,” Hearn said of Whittaker’s rise in popularity.
“Five years before I turned professional, I knew how good he was. Everyone was talking about him in Team GB. He went to the Olympics. He won silver,” Hearn said.
Robert Segal was a key voice in Boxing News 24providing fight news, previews and analysis with direct access to insider information. Covering sports for over a decade, his work focuses on champions, challengers and emerging talent around the world. Known for his keen in-ring perspective, Robert brings fans closer to the action with straightforward, educated reporting.