Whittaker aims to debut in the US in 2026, according to Eddie Hearn

Promoter Eddie Hearn has hinted that Ben Whittaker could make his debut in the United States early next year. Whittaker, who signed with Matchroom, will fight for the first time under Hearn’s banner on November 29 against German Benjamin Gavazi in Birmingham. The 28-year-old light heavyweight is considered a rising star in the sport and Hearn suggested the possibility of crossing the Atlantic next year at a pre-fight press conference on Friday. “The global mission also [for Whittaker], perhaps a bit of a test in the United States in early 2026,” Hearn said.

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

Eddie Hearn

Whittaker stated that the prospect of fighting around the world was one of the key reasons behind his move to Matchroom. “That’s what excites me. At DAZN I have the opportunity to fight all over the world,” Whittaker said.

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

Ben Whittaker

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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 is more important to me, an elite boxer.”