Ben Whittaker stars on Matchroom debut with stunning first round knockout
On a day Birmingham’s NEC was full of fantasy characters, Ben Whittaker proved he is very much the real deal with a stunning first round knockout of Benjamin Gavazi.
The Darlaston boxing star sent his German opponent to the canvas twice in the space of two minutes and 15 seconds, the second time with a brutal right-hand to end the light-heavyweight contest.
A comic convention next door meant fight fans travelled to the event through hordes of witches, wizards and warlocks, yet it was Whittaker who delivered magic in the ring in a stunning debut for Matchroom promotions.
The 28-year-old Olympic silver medallist had promised a punch perfect performance and truly delivered to claim the WBC silver crown.
Whittaker’s ring walk, which saw him accompanied by rapper Dizzee Rascal, lasted longer than the actual fight.
“When you walk out pretty like that, you have to back it up. That is what I did,” said Whittaker.
