“Next, he’s going to be where he needs to be. He’s going to be where all the superstars are going. New York, he’s coming. You’re going to see the true star of British boxing, Ben Whitaker, make his American debut,” Hearn said post-fight.
Whittaker’s opponent for that card remains to be seen. Hearn isn’t saying who they have in mind, other than that it’s a US-based fighter. Outside of the elite names like Benavidez or Morrell, the American fighters don’t offer many bridge opponents that will really test him after that first round destruction of Suarez.
The challenge for Matchroom in June will be to find someone who can actually handle Whittaker’s tactics long enough to make it a competitive look for the American audience. If it’s a mismatch against another well-chosen opponent, Whittaker won’t impress American fans, who aren’t easily sold on promoter-engineered mismatches.
“We’re going back in Birmingham in a big fight. Whether it’s a big domestic fight, whether it’s a final eliminator for the World Championship,” Hearn said. “By the end of that period, I truly believe in 2027, he’ll be ready for every 175-pounder in the world.”
Hearn’s mention of a “big domestic fight” in Birmingham sounds like a step up, but in reality it’s likely to be a showcase against a name that’s 35+ years old and coming off a loss to ensure he looks like the best in Britain before being thrown to the sharks in 2027.
If Whittaker gets past the New York debut unscathed, expect the Lyndon Arthur or Anthony Yarde rumors to intensify. They provide the “big name” on the poster with a much lower risk of an upset.
