Ben Whittaker could face Anthony Yarde or the Joshua Buatsi–Willy Hutchinson winner before getting his world title shot, even if he beats Conor Wallace in Saturday’s IBF final eliminator in Birmingham.
Eddie Hearn plans a February or March return for Whittaker, with another fight likely before challenging the winner of Dmitry Bivol against Callum Smith. Saturday could secure his mandatory position, but the route Hearn describes still includes a substantial test before the championship opportunity.
“I think it’s very likely we would have one more before fighting the winner of that fight,” Hearn told DAZN following Thursday’s press conference.
“But that could be a Buatsi–Hutchinson winner. That could be an Anthony Yarde, which is a fight that Andy Lee seems to be calling out a little bit.
“If it’s an early night and if it’s a straightforward job, you want that one fight in between a Conor Wallace and a Dmitry Bivol, Callum Smith. I think it would be wise.”
That is the practical issue with Whittaker’s recent early finishes. They demonstrate how quickly he can punish an opening, but offer fewer opportunities to assess his adjustments when an opponent survives and keeps applying pressure.
Yarde or the Buatsi–Hutchinson winner could provide that examination. Neither option is agreed, and Hearn’s preference depends partly on what Wallace gives Whittaker on Saturday.
Andy Lee would welcome a longer, tougher fight against Wallace to let Whittaker show more of his ability. If that happens, Hearn could have more evidence to judge whether another demanding bout is necessary.
There is also a scheduling consideration. Hearn expects Bivol and Smith to meet on December 12 and doubts the winner would be ready for February or March.
Whittaker therefore has a reason to stay active. Choosing an established contender would turn that waiting period into preparation, although it would also put his newly earned title opportunity at risk.
