The curiosity surrounding Ben Whittaker’s potential has spread to the US.
Anyone who’s seen him fight can see that he’s a physically gifted athlete, but he remains somewhat of an enigma who makes people question whether he can realise his potential.
His potential is very obvious, but there are times he’s risked appearing out of his depth, because he hasn’t looked sufficiently psychologically strong. He may well be talented enough to avoid tough fights for now – or at least to make tough fights look easier than they should – but the time ought to come when he’s made uncomfortable enough that he’s going to have to prove his heart in a way that he’s yet to show he’s capable of. That’s going to be his greatest test – if he can’t, disappointment awaits.
In many respects, Whittaker, a light heavyweight, reminds me of Josh Kelly – another very talented fighter the British fight scene had high hopes for but one who struggled to deliver when he became uncomfortable. It’s Whittaker’s reflexes, boxing ability and flashiness that makes him marketable and particularly catches the eye.
He showed signs of progress when stopping Liam Cameron in their rematch, but the bigger question is whether he should have been tested enough by Cameron in the first fight for a rematch to become necessary – and then whether or not he solved a problem or if that problem will return when he’s stepped up again.
That rematch was his first fight under his new trainer Andy Lee, who was not only an experienced fighter, but has become an experienced trainer and is developing into a good trainer who’s very good in the corner. Whittaker can benefit from his experience and expertise.
His fight on Saturday, against Germany’s Benjamin Gavazi, isn’t expected to be the fight that tells us much about Whittaker’s progress – it’s what will follow that counts.
Saturday’s also his first fight since he signed for Matchroom, after leaving another of the UK’s leading promoters, Boxxer. He’s an Olympic silver medallist and a promising fighter – he shouldn’t be difficult to promote, but the hype that will follow him around means he has little choice but to deliver. He will either get the exposure that makes him a star, or he will get exposed in the ring.
Matchroom are promoting another light-heavyweight fight on December 20 between Craig Richards and Dan Azeez, which could create not only an opponent for Whittaker in 2026, but the step up so many would be curious about seeing him in. Their greater experience could be what’s needed to test Whittaker’s mental strength and to give British boxing the sort of fight it has lacked in 2025.
Another British light heavyweight, Anthony Yarde, recently disappointed in defeat by David Benavidez. Yarde may need to rebuild via some lower-level wins if he is to avoid losing his status among the contenders of his division and instead come to be used as a stepping-stone.
The thought of him fighting Joshua Buatsi is, however, still appealing. Buatsi’s arguably underperformed, given the expectations that surrounded him when he turned professional. To use wrestling parlance, matching them could make for a “loser leaves town” fight. Buatsi could yet even serve as a cautionary tale for Whittaker, who it is hoped in Britain can still become what Buatsi has not.
Benavidez’s plans to next fight Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez are even more appealing. He’s becoming one of the most exciting and intriguing fighters in the world.
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Also on Saturday in England, on a Boxxer promotion broadcast on the BBC, Frazer Clarke and Jeamie “TKV” Tshikeva fight for the vacant British heavyweight title.
The fact that the BBC is the platform is amazing – particularly for Boxxer, who could have struggled after the end of their deal with Sky Sports.
Ben Shalom needs to recognise that, as positive as working with the BBC is for Boxxer, he also has a big responsibility to deliver appealing match-ups. The platform Boxxer has can create a lot of fight fans, but it’ll stop being amazing if the right fights aren’t made.
Clarke’s already known to the BBC audience from winning an Olympic bronze medal at Tokyo 2020. He has to be considered the favourite to win on Saturday – in all likelihood by knockout in an occasion that could serve as a springboard for his career.
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Later on Saturday I’ll be in Fresno for the ProBox TV bill headlined by the lightweight fight between Justin Pauldo and Nike Theran.
Pauldo’s been inconsistent, but at his best he’s a very impressive fighter who can join the very, very good leading fighters at 135lbs. Theran’s a good puncher, but if Pauldo performs like he did when he beat Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov and wins he ought to earn a shot at a world title.
