Matchroom CEO Frank Smith says Ben Whittaker is not linked properly in his three-year-old pro career after winning a silver medal in the 2020 Olympics.
Three years, still no real test
Whittaker’s development has been delayed Because of the poor matchmaking. He is now 28, and still has not competed against any significant opposition. At his age, he should have fought at high-level opposition years ago. It is understandable that Frank Smith is not satisfied with how Ben matches.
“All about progression,” Smith says
“With the platform and we also push him and focus on the right route. It’s all about progression in his career,” said Frank Smith, CEO of Matchroom Talksport Boxing About his new Sige, Ben Whittaker.
Ben’s previous promoters at Boxxer chose to utilize the gradual approach for the development of Whittsaker, preferring to fit him against lower-level fighters, rather than setting him up immediately against the top contenders.
“I don’t think so far that he had it in terms of fighting. I don’t think he is necessarily connected in the right way, and I think that’s what we can do now. And take him to the top, ‘Smith says, criticizing how Boxxer Whittaker combined during his nine-year professional career.
Whittaker’s missed prime years
Afterwards, it was an unusual approach, as Whittaker had Olympic experience and showed that he could compete against high -level fighters from the beginning.
Smith and promoter Eddie Hearn believe that 28-year-old Whittaker (9-0-1, 6 COs) has the potential to be a ‘commercial star’ with the right progress.
“He is undoubtedly the largest commercial star in Britain with the ability to be a superstar. He has everything, ‘says Smith about Whittaker.
Matchroom’s fast blueprint
For Ben to become a star, he must be moved quickly to make lost time and allow him to develop. Given how whittaker matches, he is still a beginner in terms of experience at the pro level and must make up the lost time.
Ideally, in 2026, Matchroom should focus on getting Whittaker as many battles as possible to give him the opportunities to progress.
Last updated on 10/07/2025
