Step up or play it safe?

Ben Whittaker is heading across the Atlantic. While the official opponent remains under wraps, promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed the 2020 Olympic silver medalist will make his U.S. debut in early April 2026.

Whittaker is currently ranked third in the WBC light heavyweight rankings, a position he solidified in November 2025 with a first-round knockout of Benjamin Gavazzi. Despite his high ranking, the 28-year-old’s career trajectory has been criticized by fans who feel his talent is being protected. For an Olympian of his caliber, many expected a quicker climb to the world title. Instead, some critics dismissed his actions as “slow-moving.”

Looking for American rivals

Whittaker recently said he wanted his American bow to have a “good” opponent. The options at 175 pounds are pretty limited considering he wants to face an American contender.

Khalil Coe (WBC #14): This is the most logical choice. Coe, also under the Matchroom umbrella, makes paperwork easy. However, Coe struggled in his most recent win over veteran Jesse Hart in January and looked vulnerable at times.

Najee Lopez (WBC #15): Another American option, although he lacks the promotion opportunities that Coy has.

Fans have suggested the name David Morrell, but that seems unlikely. Morrell is highly skilled and possesses great strength to expose Whittaker’s defensive mistakes.

Fans are skeptical

Doubts surrounding Whittaker stem from his performance against Liam Cameron in October 2024. During that outing, Whittaker seemed to struggle with Cameron’s physical condition, and then a bizarre incident occurred where both fighters fell off the ropes. Whittaker was unable to continue and the fight was ruled a technical draw. Although he won the rematch in April 2025, the memory of that first fight remains firmly etched in the minds of fans.

Whittaker’s quick victory over the relatively unknown Gavazzi didn’t quiet those who believed he was being molded into a star rather than a title winner. If he wants to live up to his label as a “generational talent,” his opponent in April will have to offer more than just a name on his resume.

Olly Campbell has been covering boxing since 2014, providing readers with a clear in-ring perspective and thoughtful analysis of many of the sport’s biggest nights. His work focuses on boxer tendencies, corner adjustments and technical details that impact high-level competition. Over the years Olly has covered major events in Las Vegas, New York, London and throughout the British boxing circuit, earning a reputation for dispassionate, detail-driven reporting.

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