Trainer Andy Lee has said that Ben Whittaker’s potential is “scary” forward of his headliner against Braian Suarez at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool tomorrow night.
There have been excessive hopes forward of the Olympic silver medalist turning over, nevertheless, the sunshine heavyweight hopeful has skilled a comparatively gradual begin to life as knowledgeable. Whittaker (10-0-1, 7 KOs) turned skilled with Ben Shalom’s Boxxer in 2022 however solely recorded eight appearances in his first two years with the promotion.
A controversial technical choice draw with Liam Cameron adopted his two years with Boxxer, prompting Whittaker to purchase the companies of Lee. Whittaker left little doubt within the needle-ridden rematch, with a second-round stoppage towards his British rival. Although the stoppage was a bit untimely, it was a profitable begin for the brand new partnership. The pair now go into their third straight battle collectively.
“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 mentioned at yesterday’s press convention. “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 towards Cameron within the away nook. His work with Lee continued into his Matchroom debut, a primary spherical stoppage over German contender Benjamin Gavazi final 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 skilled Argentine, Suarez (21-4, 20 KOs), gives little greater than a yardstick towards some of the highest contenders Suarez has misplaced to in Lyndon Arthur and Albert Ramirez.
The Englishman might be anticipated to maneuver into title rivalry within the battle or two as he ranked within the high 15 with three of the governing our bodies. Whittaker holds thirteenth spot with the WBO and is fifth place with the IBF, the place Dmitry Bivol holds each titles. With the WBC, Whittaker is perched in third place for David Benavidez’s world title. However, the champion strikes as much as cruiserweight on May 3 to take on WBA and WBO champion Gilberto Ramirez.
