Matchroom Boxing has officially announced the signing of Ben Whittaker, which is one of the most high-profile acquisitions in British boxing this year. The 2020 Olympic silver medallist joins the Matchroom stable under a long-term deal after previously fighting under the Boxxer banner on Sky Sports.
Whittaker, nicknamed “The Surgeon,” last fought in April, stopping Liam Cameron in a rematch after their first bout ended dramatically when both men tumbled out of the ring in Saudi Arabia. Now 28, the West Bromwich native sees this as the perfect time to align with Matchroom as he targets major opportunities at light heavyweight. “I’m at the right stage in my career now to pick the right platform and go for the right fights,” Whittaker said. “This move just made sense. I’m ready for the next step and I truly feel like this is a fresh start.”
Watch Whittaker vs. Graidia highlights: Watch
Trained by Andy Lee, Whittaker expressed excitement about finally working with Eddie Hearn, recalling their first meeting years ago in Sheffield when he was still an amateur. “We always knew this time would come,” he said. “With Eddie and Matchroom Boxing, I will become even more of a household name and one day become a world champion. I’m ranked well with both the IBF and WBC, and I believe they’ll guide me toward those belts at the right time.”
Eddie Hearn called the deal one of the most exciting in the sport today. “He is phenomenal,” Hearn said. “This is the greatest signing to make in boxing right now. Ben Whittaker is a generational talent and we’re ready to take his career to a whole new level. This long-term deal will propel Ben to global superstardom.”
Matchroom CEO Frank Smith echoed the enthusiasm, calling the signing “a game changer.” He added, “I have no doubt that Ben will become a world champion. We’ll do everything in our power to promote him the way he deserves - and the way the UK deserves too. He is a future legend of British boxing.”
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