“Ben’s not ready for that fight yet. There’s nothing wrong with that,” Hearn told the media.
Hearn described Morrell as an elite light heavyweight and grouped him with established names at the top of the division, placing him above where Whittaker operates.
Whittaker has yet to have a 12-round fight as a professional. Hearn said the focus remains on building him through a structured progression rather than moving directly to top-level opposition.
“We’re not fighting at that level yet,” Hearn said. “Whitaker needs three or four fights before we fight at that level.”
Hearn said Whittaker is already committed to his next fight after a short training camp, eliminating any chance of a late opponent switch to someone of Morrell’s level.
The plan includes a return on June 27 against an American opponent. Hearn said the next step after that would be a domestic fight against contenders such as Anthony Yarde or Lyndon Arthur, with a world title fight to follow.
Fan reaction to the current direction has been negative, with criticism focused on the level of opposition and the pace of Whittaker’s progress. Morrell also weighed in, noting that Whittaker is older than him while still being developed as a prospect.
Whittaker turns 29 on June 6, adding further attention to the timeline for a move into competition. Hearn did not give a specific date for when that move would come.
2020 Olympic silver medalist Whittaker (10-0-1, 7 KOs) headlines Braian Nahuel Suarez (21-4, 20 KOs) in a 10-round fight April 18 on DAZN from Liverpool Arena in Liverpool. Whittaker was moved to the main event after Callum Smith pulled out of his scheduled fight with Morrell.
