British light-heavyweight Ben Whittaker produced a superb first-round knockout towards Argentina’s Braian Suarez at M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool – taking his report to 11-0-1.
Liverpool’s Callum Smith was initially headlining the cardboard however pulled out of his light-heavyweight title eliminator with Cuba’s David Morrell.
Whittaker, 28, was elevated to prime of the invoice for the second time towards Suarez, 34, in Liverpool. This follows two convincing wins towards Benjamin Gavazi and Liam Cameron, who lasted solely three rounds between them.
With the primary occasion being pulled there have been quite a few empty seats across the enviornment.
But this didn’t deter showman Whittaker from showcasing his flamboyant fashion in entrance of a quiet Merseyside crowd. He even slipped a shot and gestured to the gang for extra noise.
But the battle didn’t final for much longer with Whittaker touchdown a concussive proper hook to the pinnacle of Suarez – who couldn’t beat the ten depend.
The West Midlands fighter is on the verge of a world title shot in arguably boxing’s hardest division as Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn insisted, “we’ve got to get it right”.
But, at 28, followers are calling for Whittaker to take a step up in degree with powerful home fights obtainable.
And it’s simple to know that decision contemplating Whittaker beat Gavazi in two minutes final November.
Suarez, who has misplaced 5 of his 26 fights, was a transfer in the fitting path – a notable powerful man if he was allowed to settle, however Whittaker laid waste to him inside a spherical.
Whittaker’s potential to energy punch has usually been questioned however he answered these critics with an enormous knockout.
He advised DAZN: “Don’t get it twisted, he’s a very good fighter. I was expecting a few rounds but then I wasn’t because of the work with my brother and the work with Andy.
“I’m hitting now. I’m discovering my toes – I do know when to play and I do know when to get him out of there too.”
But it was the co-main event that was the main attraction for the crowd, as former UFC fighter Molly McCann was walked to the ring by a live performance from Liverpudlian artist Jamie Webster.
The deafening crowd roared McCann on to take her skilled boxing report to 4-0 with a factors win over Wales’ Ashleigh Johnson.
