The flashy light heavyweight will look to make his debut under the promotional outfit an eye-opener Saturday when he clashes with veteran German fighter Benjamin Gavazi at bp pulse LIVE at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, United Kingdom, and exclusively live on DAZN.

The 28-year-old Whittaker (9-0-1, 6 KOs) is coming off a second-round TKO of Liam Cameron in their April rematch, silencing any doubters from draw they fought to in October 2024. The 2020 Olympic silver medalist would like nothing more than to add Gavazi (19-1, 13 KOs) to his growing highlight reel. After losing his first professional fight in 2018, Gavazi has not tasted defeat since, having delivered three straight stoppage victories including a TKO of Branimir Malenica in December 2024.

Will Whittaker be every bit of clinical as entertaining in picking Gavazi apart to launch a promising 2026? Or will Gavazi redirect the trajectory of the British fighter with brute force? DAZN News analyzes who has the edge in this light heavyweight tilt.

Boxing Styles

Ben Whittaker racked up millions of views in YouTube highlights for his showmanship and skills that went viral well before Matchroom Boxing signed him.

At his best, Whittaker is an elusive marksman befitting of ‘The Surgeon’ moniker as he is able to hit opponents precisely and with hand speed, while not getting hit much. Those attributes, plus his nimble footwork, puts Whittaker in position to often outpoint fighters to victory, taunting them along the way.

However, in showboating and thoroughly entertaining fans with his sweet science sorcery, Whittaker sometimes leaves himself vulnerable to shots. This was evident in October 2024 when a slower Liam Cameron was able to land right hands steadily against Whittaker.

Benjamin Gavazi is another methodical fighter who likes to cut off the ring against opponents. The German fighter possesses a snappy left-handed jab which could split Whittaker’s guard in setting up the flashy fighter for something more devastating.

That said, Whittaker’s hand speed, footwork and punching accuracy give him the edge in this clash of styles.

Edge: Whittaker

Power

Gavazi has power as evidenced by 13 of his 19 wins coming by the way of knockout. What he lacks in hand speed, he makes up for in blunt force.

The opposite could be said of Whittaker’s punching power at 175 pounds. What he lacks in force, he makes up for with whipping action, the speed and precision of his punches.

This is a closer category with ‘The Surgeon’ just eking out the edge due to his quicker hands.

Edge: Whittaker

Mental Warfare

Though Gavazi counts 20 pro fights to Whittaker’s 10, both boxers have only fought once outside their native Germany and England, respectively.

Both men are in need of a step up in quality of opponents and experience.

What makes Whittaker tough to deal with in this category is he will put opponents through mental warfare during the actual fight.

It has become the norm for Whittaker to flamboyantly make opponents miss while bopping them on the head as a reminder, cocking his right hand back and calling on the crowd’s support, and busting out dance moves all within the flow of his fighting style.

These kind of antics — on top of slicing punching skills — often overload opponents with things to think about while sharing a ring with ‘The Surgeon.’

So the mental advantage resides with Whittaker, too.

Edge: Whittaker

Who has the edge in Whittaker vs. Gavazi?

In his debut for Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, Whittaker will look to be as potent as playful in the ring, pummeling and entertaining against Gavazi. DAZN News likes his chances to deliver a win just like that.

Anything short of that, especially if he experiences significant resistance, could take away from an auspicious New Year and expansion of his alluring fighting profile that are ahead.

Watch Whittaker vs. Gavazi with a DAZN subscription

Ben Whittaker makes his Matchroom debut against Benjamin Gavazi exclusively on DAZN. Watch with a subscription, monthly and annual options available.

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