Ben Whittaker produced a a blistering, box office performance on his Matchroom Boxing debut after knocking out Benjamin Gavazi to land the WBC Silver Light-Heavyweight Championship at The NEC in Birmingham.
After an incredible introduction, performed by UK rap legend Dizzee Rascal for his rousing ring walk, Whittaker wasted no time in reminding the world of his devastating ability as he ended Gavazi’s night with a spectacular, showreel stoppage inside the first round.
Team GB Olympic hero Whittaker, 28, is now unbeaten with a record of 10-0-1, 7 KOs and revelled in what he described a ”special” start to life with his new promoter, Eddie Hearn.
Whittaker said: “I want to thank my lord and saviour, Jesus Christ, I want to thank everyone for coming out, buying the tickets, and making this night special.
“When you walk out pretty like that, you’ve got to back it up. And I did.
“He [Benjamin Gavazi] was a game kid, 20 fights, he only lost one. He came to change his life but like I said, I showed something special, and I showed why I’m different. You don’t get Olympic medals by hopping around on one foot. I can do it all.”
Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn wants to ensure Whittaker is active as they head into 2026 with high aspirations – revealing he would love to add the Midlands native to an upcoming US bill.
Hearn said: “We don’t want to take him to America too much, but America is crying out for Ben Whittaker.”
In a gruelling, edge-of-your-seat, co-main event, Tom Cowling overcame Aaron Bowen by split decision (93-96, 95-94, 95-94) to win the Midlands Area Middleweight title.
Cameron Vuong and Gavin Gwynne couldn’t be separated as they fought to a majority draw after a bruising and breathtaking 10-round encounter.
Molly McCann is now 2-0 as a professional boxer as the former MMA icon delivered a spirited display to defeat a lively, and tough, Ebonie Cotton in the opening fight on the main card.
In the Prelims, Ibraheem Sulaimaan celebrated his first ever title triumph as he defeated Nico Ogbeide on points to claim the Midlands Area Super Featherweight belt.
Zelfa Barrett made it three wins in a row following his last Matchroom appearance, when he fell to points defeat by Jazza Dickens back in February, as he overcame Liam Dillon in a hard-fought points win.
And Alfie Middlemiss was impressive as he beat Nicaragua’s Engel Gomez in a convincing points victory.
