Ben Whittaker eyeing world titles after 'game changing' career decision
Ben Whittaker believes he is now in the best place to make his world title dream a reality after signing for Matchroom.
*Warning, the above video contains NSFW language
Darlaston’s Olympic hero has ended months of speculation over his future by penning a long-term contract with the promotions company run by Eddie Hearn, who described the 28-year-old as “the greatest signing to make in Boxing today”.
Whittaker, who won light-heavyweight silver at Tokyo 2020, almost joined Matchroom when turning professional in 2022.
Instead, he accepted a lucrative offer from rival promoter Boxxer but while he has earned no shortage of fans thanks to his flamboyant style in the ring, there has also been criticism over the standard of his opponents through his first 10 fights in the pro ranks.
Whittaker has not fought since beating Liam Cameron inside two rounds on Easter Sunday, in a rematch of last October’s controversial draw in Saudi Arabia.
When broadcaster Sky Sports then opted not to renew their contract with Boxxer, it left the door open to a departure and Whittaker believes joining Matchroom now is the right move.
“Things happen for a reason,” he said. “We have aligned.
“What he (Hearn) has going on is great. He is professional. I am at that point in my career when I need the right route, the right fights and the titles and he can do it. It made sense.”
So close was Whittaker to signing with Matchroom in 2022, promotional photographs were taken to accompany the planned announcement.
News of his eventual capture, three-and-a-half years later, included a parody of the 1996 film Jerry Maguire with Hearn, in the role of Tom Cruise, shouting at Whittaker to “show me the money”.
Whittaker, described by Hearn as a “generational talent”, will formally be unveiled at a press conference in London on October 17. News of his first fight under the Matchroom banner is expected shortly.
Discussing what had changed between 2022 and now, Whittaker said: “Of course, my popularity has grown and my profile has got bigger.
“But I think with Eddie (Hearn) 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, so that was another reason why I wanted to come on board with Matchroom because I believe they will help navigate my path towards winning those belts at the right time. And that’s what I’m here for."
Hearn, meanwhile, said Matchroom were ready to take Whittaker’s career “to a whole new level”.
He said: “This long-term deal will propel Ben to global superstardom, solidifying his reputation as a household name and steering him towards future World Titles.
“He will be No.1. He has the world at his feet and I am beyond excited to finally be promoting this great, young man.”
Matchroom CEO Frank Smith, a key figure in recent contract talks, described Whittaker’s signing as a “game changer”.
He said: “This is a truly satisfying signing for Matchroom Boxing. It's a game changer and I couldn’t be happier.
“I have no doubt that Ben will become a world champion. And we will do everything in our powers to promote him in the way he deserves – and the way the UK deserves too. He is a future legend of British boxing.”
