Ben Whittaker Vs. Benjamin Gavazi – How Does It Play Out?

Ben Whittaker is set to headline his Matchroom Boxing debut on November 29 against Benjamin Gavazi for the WBC Silver Light Heavyweight Title, as we look at how the fight plays out.

Whittaker’s Matchroom move is designed to increase his global brand, as he parted ways with Boxxer. Boxxer recently saw their Sky Sports deal come to an end, a major blow in their desire to be a mainstay in boxing. While they have signed a broadcast deal with the BBC, it is hard to see how they will compete with the global brands like DAZN and Top Rank to name a few. 

Whittaker stopped Liam Cameron in April via a second-round stoppage, his final fight under Boxxer. The result settled a controversial technical draw from October 2024, where Whittaker was accused of quitting after an injury forced him to withdraw as he fell through the ropes in the fifth round.

Meanwhile, Gavazi defeated Branimir Malenica by 10th-round TKO in December 2024 to win the WBC International Silver belt. Whittaker knows a win takes him into the top five WBC rankings, up from 9th, as he will move closer to a title shot against the current champion David Benavidez.

The Approach

Whittaker’s plan will revolve around his superior footwork and range control, using a snapping jab and constant lateral movement to keep the German at bay. Whittaker will prioritize defensive discipline and counter-punching, utilizing feints to draw Gavazi in before punishing him with sharp, straight shots. The mid-rounds will shift towards breaking down Gavazi with body work and increasing his output, searching for a decisive knockout.

Gavazi’s pathway to victory depends entirely on his ability to nullify Whittaker’s technical skills and turn the fight into a physical, close-range fight. His strategy will be defined by cutting off the ring to deny Whittaker the space he needs to operate and showboat. Gavazi must use his jab primarily to block Whittaker’s vision and force him to the ropes, where he can employ high-volume combinations and heavy body shots to drain his energy.