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Ben Whittaker Delivers Viral Knockout in Spectacular Matchroom Debut

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Robert LaMar | Last updated Nov 30, 2025 7:20 PM ET

Ben Whittaker promised a new era when he left Boxxer for Matchroom and in just over two minutes, he delivered one of the knockouts of the year. Fighting in front of a roaring Birmingham crowd at the National Exhibition Centre, the 28-year-old light heavyweight produced a showreel finish against Germany’s Benjamin Gavazi, stopping him in just 135 seconds to improve to 10-0-1 (7 KOs).

If Matchroom wanted a statement, Whittaker gave them something much bigger: a viral highlight that instantly resets expectations for one of Britain’s most gifted talents.

Whittaker, as always draped in confidence and charisma, didn’t shy away from the moment in his post-fight interview.

“When you walk out pretty like that, you’ve got to back it up and that’s what I did,” Whittaker said.

“I didn’t feel pressure to make a statement. Andy Lee said what I do in sparring is enough. Go out there and do that. Damn I looked good.”

Gavazi who entered with 19 consecutive wins had dismissed Whittaker as “nothing special” during fight week. But as soon as the bell rang, that narrative evaporated.

“He came to change his life,” Whittaker said. “But I showed what I’m all about. He said he had nothing to lose I’ve got everything to lose.”

Slow-mo

Image | Source: Dice City Sports

Ben Whittaker has arrived on @DAZNBoxing

Image | Source: Dice City Sports
#WhittakerGavazi pic.twitter.com/d37GmtgKIN
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) November 29, 2025

A Knockout Made for Social Media

The fight began calmly, with Whittaker measuring distance and teasing openings. But the first time he opened up, the difference in class was undeniable.

First knockdown: a sharp combination that stunned Gavazi and sent him to the canvas.
Final sequence: after Gavazi attempted to clinch, Whittaker ripped a right hand to the body, freed his hands, and unleashed a lightning-fast left hook–right hand that folded the German violently.

Referee stopped it at 2:15 of Round 1.

The crowd erupted. The replay hit big screens. By morning, the knockout will be everywhere.

A New Era and a New Superstar?

This was Whittaker’s first fight under his new long-term Matchroom deal after spending his first 10 bouts with Boxxer. And Matchroom couldn’t have asked for a better introduction.

The walkout itself was a spectacle grime icon Dizzee Rascal performing live just two weeks after 50 Cent escorted Chris Eubank Jr. to the ring in London. But unlike many fighters who struggle to match the hype, Whittaker shined brightest when the punches started flying.

Promoter Eddie Hearn was blown away.

“All I can say is wow,” Hearn said. “Some fighters light up an arena but what matters is what they do in the ring.

“He has world championship ability. This is a good man with a good heart who works every day to be the best he can be.”

Hearn told The Ring earlier this week that Whittaker is three to five fights away from fighting for a world title but after tonight, expectations may accelerate.

“I believe we’ll go through all those guys Bivol, Beterbiev, Benavidez,” Hearn continued. “America is crying out for Ben Whittaker. This guy has got it all.”