Boxing
Whittaker eyes 2027 world titles as Hearn lays out roadmap
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Ben Whittaker will challenge for world titles in 2027, with Eddie Hearn expecting the star to pass on an IBF final eliminator.
'The Surgeon' has been ordered to face Conor Wallace in a light-heavyweight contest, for a shot at champion Dmitry Bivol.
Success against the Australia-based Irishman would serve as the biggest scalp of Whittaker's career if the pair were to fight.
But Matchroom supremo Hearn expects the Tokyo 2020 favourite to look elsewhere as he builds for a shot next year instead.
"We really need to look at whether we're going to go down that route or have another big domestic fight," he told DAZN News.
What's next for Ben Whittaker?
Watch: Eddie Hearn spills beans on future plans
"Wallace is a very good fighter, but once you win that, you're mandatory with Dmitry Bivol, which is another challenge in itself.
"I feel in 2027, Ben will be ready to fight for a world title. He's got two more fights this year. He's a superstar of British boxing."
Whittaker most recently dismantled Richard Rivera on his stateside debut, to follow up April's home win over Braian Suarez.
Hearn confirmed Whittaker will headline in Birmingham this October, adding that the Olympian "has been a revelation" so far.
"He's been a big star for a long time, but people are still talking about that American debut", he added. "I'm very, very excited."
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