Trainer Andy Lee has stated that Ben Whittaker’s potential is “scary” ahead of his headliner against Braian Suarez at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool tomorrow night.
There have been high hopes ahead of the Olympic silver medalist turning over, however, the light heavyweight hopeful has experienced a relatively slow start to life as a professional. Whittaker (10-0-1, 7 KOs) turned professional with Ben Shalom’s Boxxer in 2022 but only recorded eight appearances in his first two years with the promotion.
A controversial technical decision draw with Liam Cameron followed his two years with Boxxer, prompting Whittaker to acquire the services of Lee. Whittaker left little doubt in the needle-ridden rematch, with a second-round stoppage against his British rival. Although the stoppage was a little premature, it was a successful start for the new partnership. The pair now go into their third straight fight together.
“This is a real test and a serious challenge, but if Ben is going to do what I think he’ll do in the sport – these are the challenges he needs.” Lee said at yesterday’s press conference. “Commiserations to Callum [Smith]. We wish him well in his recovery. Ben has stepped in and taken the opportunity to main event here in Liverpool.”
Whittaker joined Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom following his rematch success against Cameron in the away corner. His work with Lee continued into his Matchroom debut, a first round stoppage over German contender Benjamin Gavazi last November in Birmingham.
“I think it’s an opportunity for everyone in Liverpool and the surrounding area to come and see one of the future stars of boxing,” Lee added. “You can say you were there when he fought Suarez and knocked Suarez out. What I’ve seen from Ben in this camp, he’s just gone to a whole new level. His ceiling, I don’t know where it is? He keeps getting better and better and better. It’s scary, and very exciting. You’re all in for a good show on Saturday night.”
Whittaker has resisted in taking the bait from David Morrell, who suggested Whittaker could replace the injured Smith in the original headliner. For now, the experienced Argentine, Suarez (21-4, 20 KOs), offers little more than a yardstick against some of the top contenders Suarez has lost to in Lyndon Arthur and Albert Ramirez.
The Englishman will be expected to move into title contention in the fight or two as he ranked in the top 15 with three of the governing bodies. Whittaker holds 13th spot with the WBO and is 5th place with the IBF, where Dmitry Bivol holds both titles. With the WBC, Whittaker is perched in 3rd place for David Benavidez’s world title. However, the champion moves up to cruiserweight on May 3 to take on WBA and WBO champion Gilberto Ramirez.
