Tokyo 2020 silver medallist Ben Whittaker leaves Boxxer to join Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing
British Olympic silver medallist Ben Whittaker has signed a long-term promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, marking a major new chapter in his professional career.
The 28-year-old light-heavyweight, who captured silver at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, has built an unbeaten record of 9-0-1, including six knockout victories, since turning professional in 2022.
Whittaker, who was previously signed with Boxxer, said the move to Matchroom represented the perfect next step as he targets world title contention.
“I think things happen for a reason,” said Whittaker. “I’m at the right stage in my career now to pick the right platform and go for the right fights. So this move just made sense.”
The signing is viewed as a significant coup for Matchroom, which has added one of Britain’s most exciting boxing talents to its roster. Eddie Hearn, the promotion’s chairman, hailed Whittaker as a future superstar and said the deal would help him fulfil his immense potential.
“Ben Whittaker is a generational talent,” said Hearn. “He has the world at his feet. This long-term deal will propel Ben to global superstardom, solidifying his reputation as a household name and steering him towards future world titles. He will be number one.”
Whittaker’s most recent fight came in April 2025, when he stopped Liam Cameron in the second round of their rematch. The victory avenged a controversial first meeting in October 2024, when both fighters tumbled over the ropes mid-fight and Whittaker was unable to continue due to an injury. That bout was ruled a draw, but Whittaker’s emphatic win in the rematch underlined his class and determination to move forward.
A slick, flashy fighter known for his speed, reflexes and unorthodox showmanship, Whittaker has drawn comparisons to the likes of Roy Jones Jr. and Prince Naseem Hamed. His style, which mixes defensive flair with clinical finishing power, has made him one of the most watchable British fighters of his generation.
After an illustrious amateur career that culminated in his Olympic silver medal, Whittaker was tipped for stardom from the moment he turned professional. He made an immediate impression with a string of highlight-reel performances, quickly developing a loyal fanbase and significant social media following.
Whittaker’s move to Matchroom suggests a renewed focus on global exposure and higher-profile contests. The promotion’s partnership with streaming giant DAZN is expected to give Whittaker access to a worldwide audience, alongside potential fights in the US and the Middle East.
Industry insiders believe the deal positions Whittaker perfectly for future bouts with some of the sport’s elite light-heavyweights, including Anthony Yarde, Joshua Buatsi, and international names like Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.
Whittaker’s management team has reportedly been in discussions with Matchroom for several months. Sources close to the negotiations say the agreement includes multiple fights across several years, ensuring long-term stability and exposure at the top level.
For Hearn, who has been vocal about rebuilding Matchroom’s roster of British world champions, Whittaker’s signing is a statement of intent. The promoter has described the Wolverhampton-born fighter as “one of the most naturally gifted boxers to come out of the UK in years.”
Fans will now be eager to see when Whittaker makes his Matchroom debut, with an announcement expected in the coming weeks. His next bout could take place before the end of 2025, possibly as part of a major DAZN event in London or Abu Dhabi.
For Whittaker, who has always embraced the spotlight, the move represents both a challenge and an opportunity to fulfil the lofty expectations placed upon him since his Olympic triumph. “It’s time to take things to the next level,” he said. “I’m ready to show everyone what I’m really capable of.”