Whittaker eyes US debut in 2026: Hearn plans global foray

Ben Whittaker Could Debut in the United States Next Year

Eddie Hearn has hinted that Ben Whittaker could make his US debut early next year. Whittaker will fight for the first time under Hearn’s Matchroom banner on November 29 against German Benjamin Gavazi in Birmingham, after signing from Boxxer. 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], 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 said 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 the fight with Itauma; plans to retire at 41 years old
• Boxing opponents that Tyson Fury should consider for his return
• 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 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… 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,” said Hearn.

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.”