Matchroom Boxing announce fight for ‘greatest signing any promoter could have made’

Matchroom Boxing continue to operate at the forefront of British and world boxing. The promotional company led by Eddie Hearn have recently made a significant move, signing Olympic silver medalist Ben Whittaker (9-0-1, 6 KOs). 

Ahead of an official unveiling in London on Friday, October 17, Matchroom have announced Whittaker’s first opponent, the venue, and the fight date.

Matchroom Boxing reveal first fight for ‘greatest signing possible’

The signing of Whittaker is a statement of intent from Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing.

His first fight under the Matchroom umbrella will be at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre against Benjamin Gavazi (19-1, 13 KOs) for the WBC silver light-heavyweight title.

Whittaker was widely criticised following his controversial technical draw against Liam Cameron on October 12, 2024, but rebounded in style, piecing Cameron apart in the rematch and winning by second-round TKO.

The rematch win was also Whittaker’s first fight with Andy Lee, and the impact of the Irishman was immediately evident. The future looks bright for the 28-year-old, who looks set to make a big splash in the light-heavyweight division.

Ben Whittaker vs Benjamin Gavazi – rest of the card

In the co-main, Cameron Vuong will face Gavin Gwynne in a long-awaited rematch. It’s a huge fight for both, with Gwynne feeling he won the first clash, and Vuong eager to win in a more convincing style.

Former MMA star Molly McCann will continue her boxing journey as she faces Ebonie Cotton. All-action Coventry fighter Aaron Bowen will also be on the card as he faces Tom Cowling for the vacant Midlands Area Middleweight Title.

Reflecting on the Whittaker signing and looking ahead to his Matchroom debut, Hearn said: “Ben Whittaker is the greatest signing any promoter in the world could have made. And he levels up from the get-go in front of his home fans in Birmingham on what is another unmissable card, stacked with huge fights.”

Discussing the undercard, Hearn said: “Vuong-Gwynne II has been a year in the making – and on November 29, Cameron Vuong will be hungry to dispel any doubts over their first fight and set himself up for a busy year ahead.

“Molly McCann enjoyed a brilliant debut in Belfast. She has a huge future ahead of her too and this will be another important step-up in what is only her second professional fight.

“And Aaron Bowen has a great opportunity to kick on in the Middleweight division when he fights for the Midlands Area title. It will be a cracking night with more top fights still to be announced.”