Boxing
Ben Whittaker puts light heavyweight division on high alert after Braian Suarez knockout
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Ben Whittaker has sent a message to the light heavyweight division after recording a second successive first round knockout on Saturday night.
Facing Braian Suarez in Liverpool, Whittaker wasted no time, he was on the front foot and established the jab early, coupled with fast hand speed.
Suarez did not seem affected, but as the first round entered its final minute, Whittaker sensed an opportunity for an early finish.
Whittaker sets up US debut with second successive first round KO
Watch Whittaker vs. Suarez highlights
Pushing Suarez on to the ropes, Whittaker hit the Argentinian with a left to the body before landing a right hand to knock out the Argentinian.
Being promoted to main event status at late notice, Whittaker delivered once again and has now set up what could be an exciting year for one of the hottest prospects in world boxing.
Whittaker claims he is ‘dangerous’ for light heavyweight rivals
Whittaker has a rare gift of being talented with the microphone, and celebrating his win, ‘The Surgeon’ was pleased with his performance.
“That was good baby,” Whittaker told DAZN.
“He’s a very good fighter, I was expecting a couple of rounds.
“I’m hitting now, to take out someone like that in the first round, it shows where I am at.”
Having two first round knockout wins within five months each other has in Whittaker's eyes, taken him to the next level after a mixed start in the professional ranks.
“Those first couple of fights, I looked good, but I was messing around. Those people don’t think I could box, so I’m showing them what boxing’s about.”
Then came Whittaker’s warning to his immediate rivals at light heavyweight, who he believes want to face him sooner rather than later with ‘The Surgeon’ yet to reach his peak.
“They can all call me out, but they are calling me out for a reason.
“The more I step into this ring, the more experience I get, the more I get comfortable, it’s dangerous for them.”
Whittaker to make US debut on Zayas vs. Ennis undercard
Promoter Eddie Hearn has a real talent on his hands, and he is ready to take the next step with Whittaker.
He is confident that Whittaker will be British boxing's next superstar, and the Matchroom boss believes it is there to see from the ringwalk to his performances inside the ring, but Hearn knows his fighter’s ascension needs to be managed carefully.
“What you are seeing is the evolution of the next great superstar of British boxing in Ben Whittaker,” Hearn said.
“I watch him walking to the ring, and I think superstar. He’s got the swagger, it’s almost annoying how slick and cool he is, he’s got something very special.
“We are on a beautiful path here to the world championships, and we’ve got to get it right, and as we peak, we’ve got to be ready for the true tests. You haven’t got to wait too long for the true tests of Ben Whittaker, but we know exactly what we’re doing.”
Hearn then confirmed that Whittaker will indeed make his US debut in his next outing.
“New York, he’s coming, Jaron Ennis against Xander Zayas Barclays Center in Brooklyn, you are going to see a true star of British boxing in Ben Whittaker make his American debut on June 27, and then we’re going to come back to Birmingham and headline a big fight.”
If Whittaker can conquer America in the summer before returning to his home city, then ‘The Surgeon’ will be on en-route to becoming boxing's next superstar.
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