The WBC suddenly chose to cancel its previous order for #3 Ben Whittaker to fight #2 Joshua Buatsi in a final title eliminator.
The WBC’s rationale for canceling the Buatsi-Whittaker order is Whittaker’s obligations as the organization’s new Silver Champion. As the silver belt holder, Ben has what the sanctioning body says is “obligations.”
If Whittaker had fought the more experienced Buatsi, he might have lost the fight. It is an advanced fighter with strength in both hands, Olympic experience, and used to being involved in wars. We saw this in Buatsi’s fight against Callum Smith earlier this year.
With the Whittaker now free to focus on his obligations as the Silver Champion, he is expected to fight a top-15 contender for his next fight. Promoter Eddie Hearn said his next fight will be in the US in March or April.
“Joshua Buatsi vs Ben Whittaker ordered as final elimination match. — * This order has been canceled due to silver championship commitments for Whittaker,” according to the WBC website.
He did not provide a list of opponents he will choose from, but it could be an American or US-based fighter that ultra-diehard boxing fans are familiar with. The goal would be to showcase Whittaker to make him look sensational, not to get him beaten.
Matching him against US-based non-Americans David Morrell or Oleksandr Gvozdyk would work against Hearn’s goal of turning Whittaker into a star. Chances are he’ll lose to both of them, and the hype around him in the UK will disappear permanently, and he’ll be seen as just another guy who didn’t live up to his amateur success.
Whittaker (10-0-1, 7 KOs) captured the vacant WBC Silver light heavyweight title last November, knocking out obscure non-contender Benjamin Gavazi in the first round. He looked good in that fight, but fans question where Hearn found Gavazi to use as an opponent.
Last updated on 12/12/2025
