Ben Whittaker achieved an impressive knockout victory in the first round against Benjamin Gavazi on Saturday, marking his debut with Matchroom Boxing, Eddie Hearn’s promoter.
Whittaker (10-0-1, 7 KOs) demonstrated his dominance from the start of the fight. Using his left jab and effective combinations, the British boxer outboxed Gavazi (19-2, 13 KOs) thanks to his speed and precision.
A powerful right hand from Whittaker, culminating a combination in the center of the first round, sent the German pugilist to the canvas. The situation turned critical when Whittaker continued his offensive, connecting a left hook followed by another right hand that sealed the victory before the spectators could fully settle in at the NEC in Birmingham.
Although Gavazi was visibly affected, he managed to recover and stayed in the ring.Whittaker’s ring entrance, accompanied by the British artist Dizzee Rascal, thrilled the audience present.
The 28-year-old boxer met expectations, delivering a resounding knockout against an experienced opponent, in his first fight since April.
He was a tough guy [Gavazi], with 20 fights, he only lost one. He came to change his life, but as I said, I showed something special, and I proved why I am different.
Whittaker
Olympic medals are not won by jumping on one foot. I can do it all.
Whittaker
I want to thank my lord and savior Jesus Christ, I want to thank everyone for coming, for buying the tickets, for making this night special.
Whittaker
Whittaker concluded: “When you come out this well, you have to back it up… And I did.”
