On Saturday, Ben Whittaker took another step toward becoming a big name in the light heavyweight division by knocking out Brian Suarez within one round.
Whittaker had recently been promoted to the main event at Liverpool after Callum Smith missed his scheduled WBO Interim Light Heavyweight Championship fight against David Morrell due to injury.
He had everyone watching early in the morning with a lightning start that culminated with a powerful right hand that crushed his Argentine opponent with just over 40 seconds left in the first round.
By doing so, he extended his undefeated professional record to 11-0-1 after two consecutive first-round suspensions following his November match against Benjamin Gabadi.
“To me, they all call me out. They call me out for a reason,” Whittaker said on DAZN. “The more they get in this ring, the more experience they get, the more comfortable they get. It’s dangerous for them.”
Whitaker is scheduled to make his U.S. debut later this year.
In his post-fight speech, Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed that Whittaker would make his US debut in June.
“We know exactly what we’re doing. Next time he’s going to be where he’s supposed to be. It’s going to be where all the superstars go and New York likes to walk in front of the bright lights, he’s coming,” Hearn told DAZN.
“Barclays Center in Brooklyn, Jaron Ennis-Xander Zayas will see Ben Whittaker, a true star of British boxing, make his American debut on June 27th.
“Then we’re going to come back and headline the big games in Birmingham, whether it’s the big domestic games or the final qualifiers for the world championships.
“I truly believe that by the end of that period, in 2027, he’s going to be able to match any 175-pounder in the world. We finally have a guy in this country who has all the superstar potential but can go out and beat them all. This young guy is very, very special.”
Molly McCann celebrates victory with Everton Blue
Earlier in the night, former UFC star and local favorite Molly McCann claimed a commanding points victory over Ashley Johnson in her fourth fight since making the transition from MMA.
The day after the Merseyside derby against Liverpool, the 35-year-old wore Everton-themed shorts and was welcomed to the ring by good friend Jamie Webster.
Referee Mark Lyson scored the bout 78-74 in favor of McCann, who remains an undefeated boxer.
