The British light heavyweight shines in the main fight with an early knockout and sends a clear statement to the national competition.
British light heavyweight Ben Whittaker had a short day at work against Braian Suarez, securing a first-round knockout victory in the Matchroom-promoted main event at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool. The event was streamed live on DAZN. Whittaker (11-0-1, 8 knockouts) scored the knockout at 2:24 minutes after landing a precise right punch to the side of the head. Prior to that, the 28-year-old had already been working to the body consistently and looked clearly superior to the Argentine in boxing terms.
The clash between Whittaker and Suarez served as a short-notice replacement main event after Callum Smith pulled out due to injury. Smith was originally scheduled to fight David Morrell for the WBO interim light heavyweight title. Whittaker made the most of the late opportunity on the big stage, but many boxing fans are still waiting to see the Olympic silver medalist against serious competition in the ring.
At the press conference after the fight, promoter Eddie Hearn explained that the plan was to “box for world titles in 2027”. In the short term, however, the focus is on national duels. Trainer Andy Lee brought up Anthony Yarde, among others. Eddie Hearn also named possible opponents from the British scene, including Joshua Buatsi, Willy Hutchinson, Craig Richards, Zach Parker and Lyndon Arthur.
Whittaker said in an interview after the fight on DAZN: “They can all challenge me, but they do it for a reason. The more I’m in this ring, the more experience I gain and the more comfortable I feel – and that’s what makes it dangerous for them.”