The light-heavyweight star has made no secret of his ambitions to reach the top of a busy division and challnge for belts.

But amid a packed slate of contenders, the Tokyo 2020 medalist will have his work cut out moving through a crowded field.

Plenty has been made of a potential route to the top - but just how conceivably soon could Whittaker earn himself a shot?

Autumn 2025: Earn a unilateral ranking position

Already listed in the top fifteeen by three of the sport's four major governing bodies, Whittaker has made his professional mark.

Though a slot on all charts is not necessary for a world title shot, it can underline the credentials in play for rising star talents.

If Whittaker can dispatch Gavazi smartly when they meet in Birmingham next month, he may find his name in quadruple lights.

Spring 2026: Take out domestic rivals

There's no shortage of British fighters kicking around the division right now, with several in action before the end of 2025 too.

If Whittaker hopes to make his way to the top, he must prove he can better his countrymen, and may get the chance next spring.

Joshua Buatsi and Zach Parker's fight on November 1 will have serious reprecussions for both men, with each a potential foe.

Summer 2026: Prove overseas mettle

Few doubt Whittaker's talent, but his last bout away from British soil saw him underperform expectations with Liam Cameron.

Their bizarre finish to a technical draw contest saw the star come in for plenty of criticism on how he handled the occasion.

Whittaker may have vanquished Cameron back home, but he should bank valuable rounds overseas to underline his worth.

Autumn 2026: Beat down a top-five foe

If Whittaker has notched three straight wins against increasingly bigger fish by this point, he'll be close to knocking on the door.

Both his spring and summertime bouts could have been with a top-tier opponent, but if not, he will need that major scalp here.

A possible final eliminator for a shot at the title could present itself - and with it, he could cement his status as a future champion.

Spring 2027: Battle for the belt

In less than a year-and-a-half from now, Whittaker could have cleaned up the contenders and be ready for his close-up shot.

Who he could face is anybody's guess, with the once unified crown split between Dmitry Bivol and David Benavidez right now.

But if he has managed to put four foes down on his way to the summit, it will be only a formality for Whittaker to have his chance.

Watch Parker vs Wardley live on DAZN

Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley fight on Saturday, October 25, to become the WBO mandatory challenger to Oleksandr Usyk. Watch the fight and undercard live and exclusive on DAZN PPV.

Click here for pricing and to buy now.