Ben Whittaker vs. Benjamin Gavazi Keys to Victory: Breaking down tactics of each fighter

‘The Surgeon’ will make his Matchroom Boxing debut tonight against German boxer Benjamin Gavazi at bp pulse LIVE at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, United Kingdom, and exclusively live on DAZN.

In his last time out this past April, Whittaker (9-0-1, 6 KOs) produced a second-round TKO of Liam Cameron in their rematch. Meanwhile, Gavazi (19-1, 13 KOs) generated a stoppage win over Branimir Malenica in December 2024 and has not lost a fight since his pro debut back in November 2018.

Will Whittaker shine, adding to his viral highlight reel? Or will the more experienced Gavazi find a way to spoil Whittaker’s Matchroom debut? DAZN News analyzes the Keys to Victory for both Whittaker and Gavazi entering tonight's fight.

Ben Whittaker’s Keys to Victory

Establish the jab

Ben Whittaker utilizes a crisp, snappy jab to get into the flow of his offense. The earlier he could assert the punch to split Benjamin Gavazi’s guard, the better suited he is to be the ring operator that dazzles with flair.

The stick also creates apt ring real estate between he and his opponent and the British fighter is a good broker in managing that space. This could be vital against a Gavazi who likes to press forward.

Make hard deposits to the body

Whether it is dipping down and cranking a left hook to the body or uncorking a right hook more within the natural flow of his offense, Whittaker’s ability to make hard deposits to the midsection could go long ways to slowing an aggressive Gavazi down.

Body shots are a must for Whittaker in this fight.

Entertain but don’t play with food

Whittaker is an electric showman equipped with the sweet science skills to try to pick Gavazi apart.

Whether it is evading Gavazi’s shots with style, taunting the German fighter or busting out a dance move, ‘The Surgeon’ can entertain in his Matchroom Boxing debut, but he must be careful to not overdo it.

Playing with his food too much, whether against Gavazi or anyone else, could prove costly as every gesture could afford opponents the kind of countering opportunities that make Whittaker regret his moves.

Benjamin Gavazi’s Keys to Victory

Bait and switch to cramp Whittaker’s style

Watch Benjamin Gavazi and he does a good job luring opponents in, before choosing the opportune moments to step on the gas and fight forward.

Doing this bait and switch tactic effectively against Ben Whittaker is a major key as the German fighter will give ‘The Surgeon’ the false impression that he is controlling the ring real estate, before turning the tide by cramping his style.

Punch in traffic

Whittaker’s two fights against Liam Cameron are enough rounds of evidence to show that ‘The Surgeon’ is susceptible to getting hit in traffic. Straight counterpunches split Whittaker’s guard when Cameron timed them aptly.

Gavazi should take heed to that, throwing well-timed counterpunches in traffic, whether straight shots or check hooks.

Not only will these kind of punches landing disrupt Whittaker’s rhythm offense, but they might also irk him along the way.

Turn the volume way up

Gavazi alternates between pounding left and right hands well when opting to fight forward.

When he picks and chooses his spots with the aforementioned bait and switch, Gavazi would also be aided by turning his punch volume way up.

The more he is able to smother Whittaker with a high output, the better his chances for the upset will be.

Watch Whittaker vs. Gavazi with a DAZN subscription

Ben Whittaker makes his Matchroom debut against Benjamin Gavazi exclusively on DAZN this Saturday night, November 29. Watch with a subscription, monthly and annual options available.

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