“Next up, he’s going to be where he ought to be. He’s going to be where all of the superstars go. Recent York, he’s coming. You’re going to see the true star of British boxing, Ben Whitaker, make his American debut, said Hearn post-fight.
Whittaker’s opponent for that card stays to be seen. Hearn isn’t saying who they keep in mind, apart from it being a U.S-based fighter. Outside of the elite names like Benavidez or Morrell, the united statesfighters don’t offer many bridge opponents who would really test him after that first-round destruction of Suarez.
The challenge for Matchroom in June will likely be finding someone who can actually handle Whittaker’s tactics long enough to make it a competitive search for the U.S. audience. If it’s a mismatch against one other well-chosen opponent, Whittaker won’t impress American fans, who aren’t easily sold on promoter-designed mismatches.
“We’re going to headline back in Birmingham in a giant fight. Whether that’s a giant domestic fight, whether that’s a final eliminator for the World Championship,” said Hearn. “By the tip of that period, I really imagine in 2027, he’ll be ready for each 175-pounder on the earth.”
Hearn’s mention of a “big domestic fight” in Birmingham appears like a step up, but in point of fact, it can likely be a showcase against a reputation that’s 35+ years old and coming off a loss to make sure he looks like he’s the very best in Britain before he’s thrown to the sharks in 2027.
If Whittaker gets past the Recent York debut unscathed, expect the Lyndon Arthur or Anthony Yarde rumors to accentuate. They supply the “big name” on the poster with a much lower risk of an upset.