Matchroom Boxing has signed standout light heavyweight prospect
Ben Whittaker to a long-term deal, the promotional company announced on Monday.
Whittaker (9-0-1, 6 KOs) is a 28-year-old from West Midlands, United Kingdom, and a 2020 Olympics silver medalist for Great Britain who was previously signed with Boxxer ever since making his pro debut in 2022.
“I’m at the right stage in my career now to pick the right platform and go for the right fights. So this move just made sense,” Whittaker said in a prepared statement. “All my family has known this is where I always wanted to be. It had to be the right time, but we’re here now, I know all the team here – they are very professional – and I honestly can’t wait to get started.”
Whittaker is a flashy and flamboyant fighter known for combining his world-class talent with showmanship and in-ring wizardry. The unique combination has registered several viral moments across social media throughout his upstart career.
Whittaker’s last two fights came against Liam Cameron. In October of last year, the two fought to a six-round technical draw after both boxers fell from the ring. Whittaker sustained an injury and was unfit to continue. But “The Surgeon” Whittaker left no doubt in the rematch by
picking apart and crushing Cameron in April.
“I’ve only had 10 fights so far – and there have been a few ups and downs in those,” said Whittaker. “But I’m lucky that the experience I have so far will take me far in my career. I think with Eddie Hearn, Frank Smith, and Matchroom Boxing, I will become even more of a household name and one day, become a world champion.”
Whittaker is currently ranked No. 9 by the WBC and No. 13 by the IBF but sits outside of The Ring’s top 10 ratings in the 175-pound division. Whittaker is trained by renowned coach and former middleweight title holder, Andy Lee.
“I’m ranked well with both the IBF and WBC, so that was another reason why I wanted to come on board with Matchroom because I believe they will help navigate my path toward winning those belts at the right time,” said Whittaker. “And that’s what I’m here for."
Hearn said he’s prepared to catapult Whittaker’s profile and career into a new stratosphere.
“He’s phenomenal,” said Hearn. “This is the greatest signing to make in boxing today. Ben Whittaker is a generational talent and we are ready to take his career to a whole new level.
“This long-term deal will propel Ben to global superstardom, solidifying his reputation as a household name and steering him toward future world titles. He will be No.1. He has the world at his feet, and I am beyond excited to finally be promoting this great, young man.”
A press conference has been scheduled on October 17 in London to further elaborate on the deal.
Manouk Akopyan is The Ring’s lead writer. Follow him on X and Instagram: @ManoukAkopyan.