Boxing star Ben Whittaker says wait for 2026 bow has only made him 'scarier'

Bullish Ben Whittaker has warned he is now a “scarier” boxer as he prepares for a belated 2026 bow.

Darlaston’s Olympic hero is eager to kick on after a frustrating few months when he takes on Argentina’s Braian Suarez in Liverpool on Saturday night.

Whittaker, who has not boxed since knocking out Benjamin Gavazi in the opening round last November, saw a planned US debut earlier in the year fall through.

But he is now primed to return on the top of the bill at the M&S Bank Arena, targeting an 11th professional win against the big-hitting Suarez.

Whittaker said: “It’s a fight that I like. It’s a fight that I need. When fighters come to fight like this, the best Ben Whittaker turns up.

“The US fight didn’t happen straight away but it gave us more time and if anything it has made me even scarier.

“It has given me time to work on the things we needed to iron out. You will see that on Saturday.”

Suarez has claimed all but one of his 22 career wins by knockout and sent Lyndon Arthur to the canvas on his only previous visit to the UK, before being stopped himself.

The 34-year-old warned Whittaker, six years his junior, he has made a “big mistake” by taking the fight.

Whittaker, who has won seven out of 10 fights inside the difference, acknowledged Suarez is his toughest opponent so far but quipped: “This ain’t a football game. If it was Argentina v England, we’d be worried.

“But it’s not, it’s a boxing match. All he (Suarez) can do is walk forward, with those slow platypus feet and that big head.

“All I am going to go out there is look pretty, look good, listen to my team and how long it lasts, it lasts.”

Whittaker is targeting a third straight win since teaming up with Irish trainer Andy Lee.

The latter believes his man is ready to put on a show.

Lee said: “This is a real test. But if Ben is going to do what I think he is going to do in this sport, it is the kind of challenge he needs.

“People can say they were there when he fought Suarez and knocked him out.

“His ceiling, I don’t know where it is. Every week in camp, he keeps getting better and better.”