“Ben Whittaker fights Suarez, who’s a big power puncher. It’s a big moment for Ben, a big run because if he’s successful on Saturday, he’ll go on the Boots against Xander card for his American debut,” Hearn said on the Ariel Helwani show.
Whittaker is scheduled to face Brian Suarez, a fight that Hearn describes as a necessary step before the move. The two headline at the Liverpool Arena in Liverpool, England. The card will be broadcast on DAZN.
No opponent has been named for Whittaker’s potential appearance on the Ennis-Zayas card. The plan, as said, is entirely tied to the result against Suarez, with the next stage already set if he progresses.
After the technical draw with Liam Cameron last year, the aim is clearly to rebuild that aura of invincibility. David Morrell is not considered an option.
Hearn’s strategy seems to be to find opponents who have just enough of a record to look legitimate on a poster, but who don’t have the footwork or defensive IQ to stop Whittaker from showboating.
With the US debut set for the Ennis-Zayas card on June 27, Hearn will likely be looking for a style-plus matchup. You want someone who has a recognizable name for hardcore fans. To help sell the local New York market, an East Coast gatekeeper would be the classic move.
If they want to keep Whittaker moving, but safe, look at names in that top 15–25 range of the WBC or WBO rankings.
- Richard Rivera
- Jesse Hart
- Ahmed Elbiali
Hearn mentioned that he likes domestic British fights because they sell, but for America he admitted that he won’t use the British guys like Dan Azeez or Craig Richards just yet. He needs Whittaker to light up the undercard, which usually means a first- or second-round highlight-reel knockout.
Suarez is the perfect example of the danger, but not really an opponent this Saturday. His record looks scary, but he’s been stopped before. If Whittaker dances through him, expect a similar paper tiger for Brooklyn.
