Promoter confirms June 27 New York fight and outlines 2027 title plan
Eddie Hearn says Ben Whittaker will make his U.S. debut on June 27 in New York after his win in Liverpool. The promoter outlined a plan that includes a return headline in Birmingham and a title push by 2027.
Hearn then revealed the immediate next move, saying Whittaker is expected to box in New York on June 27 on the Jaron Ennis vs. Xander Zayas card at Barclays Center.
“Next up, he’s going to be where he should be. He’s going to be where all the superstars go. New York, he’s coming. You’re going to see the true star of British boxing, Ben Whitaker, make his American debut, said Hearn post-fight.
Whittaker’s opponent for that card remains to be seen. Hearn isn’t saying who they have in mind, other than it being a U.S-based fighter. Outside of the elite names like Benavidez or Morrell, the U.S fighters don’t offer many bridge opponents who would truly test him after that first-round destruction of Suarez.
The challenge for Matchroom in June will be finding someone who can actually handle Whittaker’s tactics long enough to make it a competitive look for the U.S. audience. If it’s a mismatch against another well-chosen opponent, Whittaker won’t impress American fans, who aren’t easily sold on promoter-designed mismatches.
“We’re going to headline back in Birmingham in a big fight. Whether that’s a big domestic fight, whether that’s a final eliminator for the World Championship,” said Hearn. “By the end of that period, I truly believe in 2027, he’ll be ready for every 175-pounder in the world.”
Hearn’s mention of a “big domestic fight” in Birmingham sounds like a step up, but in reality, it will likely be a showcase against a name that is 35+ years old and coming off a loss to ensure he looks like he’s the best in Britain before he’s thrown to the sharks in 2027.
If Whittaker gets past the New York debut unscathed, expect the Lyndon Arthur or Anthony Yarde rumors to intensify. They provide the “big name” on the poster with a much lower risk of an upset.