Whittaker aims to debut in the U.S. in 2026: Hearn plans global incursion

Ben Whittaker Could Debut in the United States

Eddie Hearn has hinted that Ben Whittaker could make his US debut early next year. 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, and Hearn anticipated the possibility of crossing the Atlantic next year at a pre-fight press conference on Friday. The global mission also [for Whittaker], perhaps a little contact with the United States in early 2026. Whittaker stated that the possibility of fighting worldwide was a key reason for his move to Matchroom. That’s what excites me. At DAZN I have the opportunity to fight all over the world. I have global fans. I’ve been screaming for that opportunity and here we are.

Despite having only 10 fights in his career, the Olympic silver medalist attracts a large audience with a large number of followers 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. A great self-promoter, a man who understands the marketing side of the sport. But also, most importantly for me, an elite boxer.

Eddie Hearn