Light Heavyweight boxer Ben Whittaker closed out his 2025 in violent fashion, flatlining Benjamin Gavazi in the first round yesterday (Sat., Nov. 30) inside The NEC in Birmingham, West Midlands, England.<\/p>\n
It was one-way traffic from the opening bell. Making his Matchroom Boxing debut, the flashy U.K. prospect dropped Gavazi early, then wiped him out moments later with a massive right hand that sent the crowd into a frenzy.<\/p>\n
With the victory, Whittaker improves to 10-0-1 and wraps up his year at 2-0. His other win came in his highly anticipated rematch with Liam Cameron, whom he stopped in the second round (watch highlights<\/a>).<\/p>\n The 28-year-old Olympic silver medalist appears poised for a breakout 2026 following his signing with Matchroom Boxing and Eddie Hearn. A WBC title shot could be on the table \u2014 especially if David Benavidez remains at Cruiserweight<\/a> \u2014 but a Whittaker vs. Benavidez clash would be must-see television if not.<\/p>\n However, the night wasn\u2019t without drama. While Whittaker was in the ring, burglars reportedly broke into his home and stole his IBF title belt, casting a sour note on what was otherwise a career-best performance.<\/p>\n