Ben Whittaker’s long-anticipated Matchroom Boxing debut will take place in front of his hometown fans as the Olympic silver medalist fights for the vacant WBC Silver Light Heavyweight title on Saturday, November 29, at Birmingham’s NEC Arena, live worldwide on DAZN.
The slick and flamboyant star known as “The Surgeon” joins Matchroom after a split from BOXXER and promoter Ben Shalom — a move Eddie Hearn branded as a “Show Me the Money” moment, drawing on the Jerry Maguire line that has followed Whittaker since his flashy Olympic rise.
The Matchroom era begins
Hearn officially unveils Whittaker this Friday, October 17, at a London press conference where the Matchroom boss is expected to outline his big plans for the 9-0-1 prospect.
Whittaker will meet Germany’s Benjamin Gavazi (19-1, 13 KOs) in what Hearn called “a major step-up” — a chance to lay down a statement in a stacked light heavyweight division.
“Ben Whittaker is the greatest signing any promoter in the world could have made,” said Hearn. “He levels up right away with a major title fight in front of his home fans in Birmingham on what’s another unmissable card.”
The signing marks a bold new chapter for Whittaker, who had become a divisive figure under Ben Shalom’s BOXXER stable, with critics, including Hearn, claiming they dropped the ball.
Hearn’s swipe at BOXXER
While Hearn didn’t name Ben Shalom directly, he made it clear that Ben Whittaker’s new deal holds designs to reignite his stalled momentum.
Media comments seemed to be a not-so-thinly veiled dig at Shalom’s handling of “The Surgeon,” who had already voiced frustration earlier this year about the direction of his career.
Ben Whittaker Undercard:
Vuong vs. Gwynne rematch tops support
In the co-main event, Cameron Vuong and Gavin Gwynne will settle unfinished business after their controversial first fight. Vuong, now trained by Ben Davison, edged a tight decision last year and will defend his WBO European Lightweight Title in a fiery rematch.
Also confirmed for Birmingham:
Molly McCann, fresh off her spectacular debut in Belfast, returns for her second pro bout.
Aaron Bowen meets Tom Cowling for the vacant Midlands Area Middleweight Title.
“It’s a stacked card,” said Hearn. “Vuong-Gwynne II has been a year in the making, and McCann and Bowen are both ready to make big statements.”
Global stage on DAZN
DAZN VP Alfie Sharman added, “The Matchroom debut of Ben Whittaker is a massive moment for the sport — and fans around the world can watch it live, exclusively on DAZN.”
With a world title eliminator potentially next, Whittaker’s Birmingham homecoming marks the start of what Matchroom calls “Phase Two” of his career — and the chance to prove he truly is boxing’s modern Rod Tidwell.
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN) since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights.
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