Ben Whittaker believes his climb toward the very top of the light heavyweight division is accelerating and that a showdown with reigning WBC champion David Benavidez may not be far away.
Whittaker returns on Saturday against Germany’s Benjamin Gavazi with the WBC silver title on the line. A win is expected to push him into the governing body’s top five, placing him directly on the champion’s radar. Benavidez, fresh off a dominant seventh-round stoppage of Anthony Yarde in Riyadh, continues to look like the division’s most daunting force.
Speaking to BoxingScene, Whittaker praised Yarde for accepting such a tough assignment but didn’t hide the gulf he saw on fight night. He noted that few fighters are willing to jump straight into that level of danger and hinted that a future Whittaker-Yarde bout could make sense if their timelines align.
As talk shifted toward Benavidez, Whittaker’s confidence remained firm. He revealed that the unbeaten champion has already name-dropped him as a potential dream opponent, something the British standout sees as a sign that he’s making the right noise. Skill-wise, he believes he is ready now.
Whittaker also dismissed the notion that Benavidez’s relentless pressure would overwhelm him. The 2020 Olympic silver medalist described that style as “my bread and butter,” insisting he has dealt with similar opponents since childhood. While he acknowledges the physical intensity Benavidez brings, Whittaker says it’s a rhythm he thrives in and one he’d welcome on a much bigger stage.
If Saturday goes his way, his push toward that moment continues.
Image Credit: DAZN