Ben Whittaker Set for Matchroom Debut vs Gavazi in WBC Silver Title

Ben Whittaker will make his promotional debut for Matchroom Boxing on Saturday, November 29, headlining at Birmingham’s NEC where he will meet Germany’s Benjamin Gavazi for the vacant World Boxing Council silver light heavyweight title, promoter Eddie Hearn announced. The three-year professional and 2020 Olympic silver medallist will fight in front of hometown fans with the event to be shown live worldwide on DAZN.

Whittaker, who recently left Boxxer to sign a long-term deal with Matchroom, will face Gavazi, a 30-year-old who has built a 19-1 record since losing his debut and has fought almost exclusively in Germany and nearby countries. Hearn described the signing as a major coup and said Whittaker “levels up from the getgo” by contesting a title in a stacked division. Matchroom will formally unveil the signing and plans for Whittaker at a London press conference on October 17.

The bout is positioned as a stepping stone toward a world title opportunity. Whittaker currently sits inside the WBC top 10, and Hearn has publicly outlined intentions to fast-track him toward a shot at the full WBC light heavyweight crown. That title is held by David Benavidez, who is scheduled to...