Ben Whittaker Destroys Benjamin Gavazi In One Round To Claim WBC Silver Title
Whittaker’s Matchroom debut could not have been more emphatic. No dancing, no showboating, no trademark flash — just pure business from a fighter who needed a statement win, and delivered exactly that. On a big night at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, the 2020 Olympic silver medalist produced one of the cleanest knockouts of 2025, blasting out Benjamin Gavazi inside a single round to capture the WBC Silver light heavyweight belt.
Whittaker’s Most Ruthless Performance Yet
There was a sharpness in Whittaker’s approach from the opening bell. He pressed forward with purpose, staying disciplined behind his jab before unleashing a combination just past the halfway point of Round 1. The shots forced Gavazi backward, and as the German stepped away, Whittaker pounced with spiteful accuracy.
A rapid sequence of right hands and a snapping left hook culminated in a final crushing right that sent Gavazi to the canvas. Though he beat the count, it was clear he was vulnerable. Moments later, Whittaker landed a left hook–right hand two-piece that buzzed Gavazi again. The challenger tried to clinch, but when Whittaker created a small gap, another thunderous right hand detonated — the type of shot that ends fights instantly. Gavazi collapsed heavily, and the referee waved it off.
It was a brutal finish and a timely message from Whittaker, who has often been critiqued for lacking true knockout power. On this night, he showed he has plenty.
What The Win Means
Whittaker’s record now stands at 10-0-1 with 7 KOs, and this victory is expected to propel him into the WBC’s top five. The division’s current WBC champion, David Benavidez, is preparing to jump 25 pounds to cruiserweight next May where he’ll meet unified champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez. If Benavidez stays at cruiserweight, the WBC light heavyweight title could become vacant in 2026 — positioning Whittaker as a major contender for his first world championship shot.
His next appearance is expected to be his U.S. debut early next year, marking another significant step in his development under trainer Andy Lee.
SHOP: Kickboxing Equipment
A Star Growing Into His Moment
Speaking ahead of the fight, Whittaker told Uncrowned that he believes his rise is coming at the perfect time. With Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury nearing the end of their careers, and Conor Benn pushing for bigger events, Whittaker feels there is a gap waiting to be filled at the top of British boxing.
“I’m not far at all from headlining stadium shows. Skill-wise, I’m definitely there, but of course I need to get experience under my belt. If I do things right, keep winning and performing, I can be that next person.”
READ MORE: Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov Rekindle Their Feud After Explosive Twitter Exchange
Recent posts
