'The Surgeon' scored an impressive first-round victory on his Matchroom debut against Benjamin Gavazi in Birmingham last month to further his rising stock.

The Tokyo 2020 silver-medalist has no shortage of rivals in the division too as he climbs the ranks, with the WBC now moving him one step closer to a title shot.

But despite suggestions Whittaker could now be only one fight away from a title shot against David Benavidez, promoter Hearn has knocked back a likely fight.

"The WBC have ordered the Buatsi fight but we've got in our contract that Ben's going to fight overseas next anyway," he told The Ring after the announcement.

"Within our agreement, and these were plans made pre-Gavazi, we're already planned our fight for America around March time. After, we will see about Buatsi."

Hearn also ruled out the likelihood of an imminent bout with Benavidez, after the latter's father Jose Sr. backed his sons claims for Whittaker as a likely foe.

"I don't want to downplay the Benavidez fight," he added on a clash. "But we are three or four fights away from fighting David Benavidez, that's the truth."

Buatsi was expected to angle for a shot at Benavidez after victory over Zach Parker in November put him firmly back in the frame, despite a lacklustre performance.

Whittaker primed for bright lights but Hearn urges patience

DAZN News correspondent Andrew Steel

With a one-round demolition job against Benjamin Gavazi in the rearviewmirror, the sky appears to be the limit for Ben Whittaker as he chases light-heavyweight rivals.

But Eddie Hearn knows a thing or two about growing the brand, and seems determined not to be rushed into setting his latest prized asset out early, only to be carved up.

Whittaker needs to bank a few more rounds, and catch a few more hands before he can likely step in with somebody of the calibre that David Benavidez offers in the ring.

A fight with Joshua Buatsi isn't a bad shout, though the WBC's decision to fast-track Whittaker through a crowded division there would likely ruffle some other feathers too.

Hearn however appears likely to stick to his guns, and take his man stateside early next year. Come through one or two more tests, and then he'll have earned his stripes.

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