Ben Whittaker aiming for perfection on Matchroom debut
Ben Whittaker has promised to deliver a punch perfect performance when he makes his much-anticipated return to the ring this Saturday.
The Darlaston boxing star takes on Benjamin Gavazi at Birmingham’s NEC for the WBC international silver light-heavyweight title in his first fight since switching to Matchroom Promotions.
Whittaker, who has not fought since knocking out Liam Cameron inside two rounds in their April rematch, knows a big display is needed to back-up the hype and is confident of delivering.
“There is pressure in all walks of life, whatever job you do,” he said, at Thursday’s pre-fight press conference. “The pressure comes from myself if anything.
“My coach Andy (Lee) will tell you, I am a perfectionist. Everything I do, I try and be perfect and it is going to be a perfect job on Saturday.
“I am just going to look sexy, beat him down and then go home and eat my food.”
Matchroom have undoubtedly given Whittaker, silver medallist from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, the big sell since securing his signature last month.
There are plans for him to fight in the USA early next year and Matchroom chairman, Eddie Hearn, believes he has the potential to dominate the division.
“We believe Ben is one of the biggest stars in global boxing. He is a red-hot talent in the sport,” said Hearn.
“This is a much-anticipated performance, in which we believe we will see a very special talent.
“This is a guy we believe can go and be involved in major fights around the world in one of the toughest divisions. This is when it starts to get serious.”
Whittaker is aiming to build on the momentum of his win over Cameron, which was the most impressive performance of his career so far.
It came six months after the lowest point, when his first meeting with Cameron in Saudi Arabia ended in a controversial draw when both boxers fell over the top rope.
The 28-year-old has an otherwise perfect record in the pro ranks yet Germany’s Gavazi, with just one defeat in 20 contests, has branded his opponent “nothing special” in pre-fight interviews.
Responding to those comments, Whittaker replied: “I am looking good and feeling good and when you look this good, you shine.
“He (Gavazi) is saying all the things you are supposed to say.
“But it is all very well saying in interviews how I am nothing special. Come Saturday, he will see how special I am.”
