BIRMINGHAM, England – Benjamin Gavazi is not coming to lie down when he faces Ben Whittaker later at Birmingham’s BP Pulse LIVE.
The traveling German has been selected as the man in the opposing corner for Whittaker’s first contest under the Matchroom Boxing promotional banner. Many would think that means Gavazi should represent an easy night’s work for Whittaker as many promoters kick things off with a straightforward win. However, Gavazi has certainly not come to make up the numbers.
“It's a normal fight. Everyone that knows a little bit about boxing, one punch can change everything,” Gavazi told BoxingScene. “Some guys were favorites [heading into contests], like a couple of weeks ago, Joseph Parker was 100 per cent favorite against Fabio Wardley, and nobody sees that Fabio Wardley can win this fight. That's boxing.”
Gavazi, 19-1 (13 KOs), has been overlooked by many in the build up, with reporters already mentioning the names of future opponents for Whittaker. Yet Gavazi believes Whittaker, 9-0-1 (6 KOs), and his team know what they're up against.
“You heard his coach, Andy Lee, they respect me,” he said. “I think they [the media] think I'm a journeyman or something. I think [Whittaker is] prepared for me.”
Should Gavazi claim an unexpected victory against Whittaker, one of the sport’s rapidly growing stars, later today, he would claim the WBC silver light heavyweight title. That could earn him a top-five ranking with the WBC and probably a lucrative rematch with Whittaker or a fellow highly rated contender at 175lbs.
“[A win] would change my life 180 degrees because it's a big name in boxing,” said Gavazi. “It's also for me the biggest chance of my life. I'm ready to do everything for the win. Everyone dreams to be a world champion. That's the goal for everyone. Everyone who starts boxing starts to be a world champion.”
