Ben Whittaker: Eddie Hearn plans US debut in 2026

Ben Whittaker Could Debut in the United States in 2026

Eddie Hearn has hinted at the possibility of Ben Whittaker making his debut in the United States in early 2026. Whittaker will fight for the first time under the Matchroom promotion on November 29 against German Benjamin Gavazi in Birmingham, after signing with Boxxer. The 28-year-old light heavyweight is considered a rising star in the sport. Hearn advanced the prospect of crossing the Atlantic next year at a pre-fight press conference on Friday.

“The global mission also [for Whittaker], a bit of a test in the waters perhaps in the United States in early 2026,” Hearn said.

Eddie Hearn

“We know that Great Britain will also be the great base [of Whittaker], but that ability to fight internationally [is great].”

Whittaker commented that the prospect of fighting around the world was a key reason behind his move to Matchroom.

“That’s what excites me. At DAZN I have the opportunity to fight all over the world,” Whittaker said.

Ben Whittaker

“I have global fans. I’ve been screaming for that opportunity and here we are.”

• Usyk rules out fight with Itauma; plans to retire at 41
• Boxing opponents Tyson Fury should consider for his return
• Undisputed atomweight champion Tina Rupprecht retires at age 33

Despite having only 10 fights in his career, the Olympic silver medalist is a big draw with a large following on social media. In a display of Whittaker’s creative personality, his signature video for Matchroom was a parody of the “Show me the Money” scene from the movie “Jerry Maguire”.

“We are looking to the future… Those guys like Naseem Hamed, Chris Eubank Sr., Amir Khan. Those names that are synonymous with British boxing and the man to my right [Whittaker] I think is the one to do it,” Hearn said.

Eddie Hearn

“A great self-promoter, a man who understands the marketing side of the sport. But also, what’s more important to me, an elite boxer.”