Dogli Wilberforce
British light-heavyweight Ben Whittaker secured a quick win on April 18, 2026, stopping Braian Suarez in the opening round at the M&S Bank Arena. The contest lasted just two minutes and 20 seconds, as Whittaker improved his record to 11-0-1 with eight knockouts.
The bout was made on short notice after Callum Smith withdrew from a planned fight due to injury. Despite the late change, Whittaker stepped into the main event and handled the moment without delay. The quick ending marked his second straight first-round stoppage and drew a strong reaction from the crowd in Liverpool.
Ben Whittaker Stops Braian Suarez in Opening Round
Whittaker started the fight at a fast pace and took control early. He used his jab to create space and set up his shots. Within moments, he landed a clean overhand right that dropped Suarez to the canvas. The impact was clear, and referee Howard Foster stepped in right away to stop the contest.
The stoppage gave Whittaker another quick win following his previous first-round finish against Benjamin Gavazi. The result extended his unbeaten run and added to his growing record in the light-heavyweight division.
After the fight, Whittaker spoke about his progress and confidence. “For me, they can all call me out. They are calling me out for a reason. The more I get in this ring, the more experience I get, the more I get comfortable, it’s dangerous for them.”
The performance showed his ability to control a fight early and finish without needing extra rounds. The quick ending also meant he took little damage and stayed active as he moves forward in his career.
U.S. Debut Confirmed as Eddie Hearn Outlines Next Step
Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed the next step for Whittaker shortly after the fight. Speaking on DAZN, he said the British fighter will make his U.S. debut on June 27 at the Barclays Center.
The fight will take place on the undercard of the bout between Jaron Ennis and Xander Zayas. The event is expected to give Whittaker exposure in a new market as he continues to build his profile.
“We know exactly what we’re doing. Next up, he’s going to be where he should be, he’s going to be where all the superstars go and like to walk in front of the bright lights – New York, he’s coming.”
Eddie Hearn also shared plans in an interview beyond the U.S. debut. He said Whittaker is expected to return to headline a major fight in Birmingham later in the year. He added that a final eliminator for a world title could be part of that plan.
“Jaron Ennis-Xander Zayas, Barclays Center, Brooklyn. You’re going to see the true star of British boxing, Ben Whittaker, make his American debut on June 27. Then we’ll come back and headline in Birmingham in a big fight, whether it’s a big domestic fight, a final eliminator for the world championship. By the end of that period, I truly believe in 2027 he’ll be ready for every 175-pounder in the world.”
The win in Liverpool and the confirmed U.S. date mark the next phase in Whittaker’s career as he continues to move through the light-heavyweight ranks.
