BIRMINGHAM, England — Ben Whittaker has promised to shine in his Matchroom debut against Germany’s Benjamin Gavazi.
Whittaker and Gavazi will meet this Saturday at Birmingham’s bp pulse LIVE for the WBC silver light heavyweight title, earning the winner a top five ranking with the governing body.
“I’m looking good and feeling good, and when you look this good you shine,” said Whittaker at Thursday’s press conference ahead of the contest.
Gavazi was a little more tame than he had been during prior fight week proceedings. The traveling German said in the build up that Whittaker, one of the UK’s growing stars, is not as special as it seems.
“It’s the chance of my life and I will take this chance,” said Gavazi. “I’m ready, it’s the moment of my life. I have nothing to lose, and I’ve come to win.”
Whittaker, 9-0-1 (6 KOs), didn’t take too kindly to the turn in the German’s attitude.
“He’s saying the things you’re supposed to say, it’s all good sitting there and saying, ‘I see nothing special’,” Whittaker said. “You’ll see how special I am Saturday.”
The contest will mark Whittaker’s second under trainer Andy Lee, and the coach is certainly not underestimating the 19-1 (13 KOs) German.
“He’s a challenge and you need that challenge as a fighter,” said Lee. “It’s a fight that we’re taking very seriously. People don’t see the hard work he’s putting in. And when you put that behind the talent, he has all the ingredients to go all the way. I think you’re in for a very good performance on Saturday.”
Gavazi offered little when asked for a prediction by the promoter of the event, Eddie Hearn, but Whittaker was happy to offer his thoughts.
“I’m just going to look sexy and beat him down,” said Whittaker.
“He’s saying the things you’re supposed to say, it’s all good sitting there and saying, “I see nothing special,” you’ll see how special I am Saturday.”
