Ben Whittaker Delivers Another Highlight-Reel First-Round KO, Eyes Barclays Center Next
Ben Whittaker is quickly becoming must-see television. The WBC’s third-ranked light heavyweight delivered yet another devastating first-round knockout on Saturday, flattening Braian Suarez in just two minutes and 24 seconds at the Liverpool Arena in England, live on DAZN.
“The Surgeon” lived up to his nickname once again. Whittaker spent the opening minute reading Suarez and smoothly navigating around his opponent before finding the perfect opening. When it came, it was a picture-perfect overhand right that landed flush on Suarez’s temple, sending the Argentine crumbling to the canvas in a heap. Suarez motioned to the back of his head claiming a foul, but referee Steve Grey was having none of it and counted to ten.
This is now back-to-back first-round demolitions for Whittaker, who scored a walkoff knockout of Benjamin Gavazi in his Matchroom debut last November. The 2020 Olympic silver medalist improves to 11-0-1 with 8 knockouts and is starting to look like the most exciting prospect in the light heavyweight division.
Suarez (21-5, 20 KOs) came in with legitimate power and a solid résumé, but he had no answer for Whittaker’s speed, timing, and accuracy. The Argentine puncher simply could not find his target before the fight was taken away from him.
The future looks even brighter for Whittaker. Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed after the fight that “The Surgeon” will next see action in Brooklyn at the Barclays Center on June 27, on the undercard of the Xander Zayas vs. Jaron “Boots” Ennis welterweight showdown. That platform signals big plans ahead.
If Whittaker keeps producing highlight-reel finishes like this, a world title shot may not be far off.
Ben Whittaker (11-0-1, 8 KOs) is a 2020 Olympic silver medalist from England who has quickly become one of the most exciting light heavyweights in the sport with his blend of speed, power, and showmanship. Braian Suarez (21-5, 20 KOs) is an Argentine power puncher who previously went ten tough rounds with former contender Lyndon Arthur.
