Ben Whittaker vs. Braian Suarez - Keys to Victory: Breaking down tactics of each fighter

‘The Surgeon’ made a late bid for Knockout of the Year in November by detonating a walk-off victory with a sensational right hook for the first-round knockout of Benjamin Gavazi. Whittaker (10-0-1, 7 KOs) will target another dazzling display against Argentine fighter Suarez (21-4, 20 KOs) who is coming off a second-round TKO of Sergio Santos Dantas in November.

Will Whittaker further himself at light heavyweight with another impressive showing? Or will Suarez prove why he’s a legit knockout artist at Whittaker’s expense? DAZN News analyzes the Keys to Victory for both fighters.

---

Whittaker wows on Matchroom debut with first-round knockout

Watch: Whittaker vs. Gavazi highlights

---

Ben Whittaker’s Keys to Victory

Establish range early with the jab

Ben Whittaker throws the jab with laser-beam precision, with the weapon seemingly tailor made to pluck away at Braian Suarez’ bullish, forward-fighting style.

The quicker ‘The Surgeon’ can assert the jab, the quicker he can pick Suarez apart, also buying the time and spacing to create offense freely.

Uncork looping hooks around Suarez’ guard

His shoulders hunched over, head down, Suarez is unapologetic about the manner at which he stalks opponents. As soon as Whittaker sees this stance in action, he ought to rifle his looping hooks, especially the right.

This could come within his regular fighting flow or as a timed, sharp counterpunch. As long as Whittaker wraps the shot around Suarez’ guard, he will keep scoring points and banking rounds.

Keep the fight in the center of the ring

Whittaker is at his best creating offense with plenty of ring real estate to roam. He cannot afford to let an aggressive, powerful Suarez crowd his space.

Whittaker can ensure that doesn’t happen by using subtle footwork or relying on his wiry length to keep the Argentine fighter on the outside of his jab.

It is there where Whittaker can paint his canvas and pot-shot Suarez to victory — whether on scorecards or via another scintillating knockout.

Braian Suarez’ Keys to Victory

Pressure forward

Braian Suarez must get inside of Ben Whittaker’s jab. Forcing cramped quarters gives the Argentine fighter his best chance to hurt Whittaker and shift the bout to a grinding pace that suits his style.

Suarez can get inside with rugged pressure that he is capable of establishing, even if it means he has to eat a jab or two to get there.

Stab to the body, hook upstairs

Watch Suarez work and he utilizes a stab jab to the body effectively.

Against Whittaker, this punch could serve as a distraction for Suarez to unload a heavier-handed, blunt hook upstairs, testing the chin of ‘The Surgeon.’

Suarez has the power and must take Whittaker’s temperature on how the British fighter receives it.

Stay compact

Wild, wide swings and misses from Suarez will leave him vulnerable to getting sliced up by Whittaker’s surgical style of the sweet science.

Therefore, Suarez must keep his shots compact, especially in the pocket, to have a chance to pull the upset.

After all, Whittaker is hard to hit, making Suarez' shot selection and the need to ensure his punches remain compact all the more greater.

Whittaker vs. Suarez only on DAZN 

Watch Ben Whittaker vs. Braian Suarez tonight, April 18, only on DAZN subscription. Monthly and annual subscriptions available.

For pricing, more information, and to sign up to watch, click here