Ben Whittaker will headline the April 18 event at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool after Callum Smith was forced to withdraw from his scheduled bout with David Morrell due to injury.
The reshuffle elevates Whittaker into the main event against Argentina’s Braian Nahuel Suarez, replacing what had been a highly anticipated WBO interim light heavyweight title fight. Promoter Eddie Hearn described the change as a major blow but emphasized that the event remains strong, highlighting Whittaker’s growing profile and drawing power.
Whittaker enters the fight on the back of two stoppage wins in 2025, including a first-round knockout of Benjamin Gavazi in November. Suarez, meanwhile, has secured 20 stoppages in his career and coming off a second-round TKO win over Sergio Santos Dantas.
For Whittaker, the opportunity is both a step forward and a necessity. He emphasized the importance of staying active while continuing to build toward a planned U.S. debut, stating that a victory in Liverpool would set up his next move. Fighting in front of a new crowd also adds another dimension to his progression.
The undercard will feature Molly McCann against Ashleigh Johnson, Joe McGrail vs Aaron Hayden for the Central Area super bantamweight title, and an appearance from unbeaten heavyweight Leo Atang.
Fight card:
▪️Ben Whittaker vs. Braian Suarez, 12 rounds, light heavyweight
▪️Molly McCann vs. Ashleigh Johnson, 8 rounds, super bantamweight
▪️Joe McGrail vs. Aaron Hayden, 10 rounds, for Hayden’s Central Area super bantamweight title
▪️Leo Atang vs. TBA, 6 rounds, heavyweight
