Whittaker eyes US debut in 2026: Hearn plans global incursion

Promoter Eddie Hearn has hinted that Ben Whittaker could debut in the United States early next year. The young boxer, considered a rising star, signed with Matchroom and will fight for the first time under this promoter on November 29 against German Benjamin Gavazi in Birmingham. Hearn has revealed that there is a possibility that Whittaker will cross the Atlantic to fight on US soil in early 2026, although the UK will remain his main base. The global mission also [for Whittaker], perhaps a little in the United States in early 2026. Whittaker, for his part, has expressed that the opportunity to fight around the world was a key factor in joining Matchroom, highlighting his enthusiasm for having fans globally.

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

Ben Whittaker

Despite having only ten fights in his career, the Olympic silver medalist has a large number of followers on social media. Whittaker’s presentation with Matchroom was a parody of the “Show me the Money” scene from the movie “Jerry Maguire”, demonstrating his creative personality.

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 on my right [Whittaker] I think is the one to do it.

Eddie Hearn

Hearn describes Whittaker as a great self-promoter and an elite boxer who understands the marketing side of the sport.