Whittaker could 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 will face for the first time under Hearn’s Matchroom banner on November 29 against German Benjamin Gavazi in Birmingham, after signing a contract. The 28-year-old light heavyweight is considered a rising star in the sport and Hearn joked about 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 contact with the water in the United States in early 2026.

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

Eddie Hearn

Whittaker said the prospect of fighting all over the world was a key reason for his switch to Matchroom.

That’s what excites me. At DAZN I have the opportunity to fight all over the world.

Ben Whittaker

I have fans all over the world. I’ve been screaming for that opportunity and here we are.

Ben Whittaker

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

Despite having only 10 fights in his career, the Olympic silver medalist is a big draw 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… Guys like Naseem Hamed, Chris Eubank Sr., Amir Khan. Those names are synonymous with British boxing and the man to my right [Whittaker] I think is the one to do it.

Eddie Hearn

A great self-promoter, a man who understands the marketing side of the sport. But also, and this is more important to me, an elite fighter.

Eddie Hearn