That answer came after Morrell had already tried to make the fight happen on short notice. When Callum Smith’s injury scrapped his April 18 bout with Morrell, the Cuban immediately called for Whittaker and offered to step into the main event in Liverpool. It was a direct callout tied to a real opening on the card, not a long-term call for a future fight.
Instead, promoter Eddie Hearn moved Whittaker in a different direction. The Matchroom fighter will headline against Braian Suarez, a lower-level opponent who does not carry the same risk or profile as Morrell. The switch keeps Whittaker active and in the spotlight, but it also leaves the Morrell fight untouched at a moment when it could have been made.
Whittaker made his stance clear in his own words. “I can beat them now, but boxing is a business,” he said, pointing to a slower build rather than jumping straight into the deepest end of the division.
That approach has drawn criticism. Morrell is a former two-division world champion and one of the more dangerous punchers at light heavyweight, and he was willing to take the fight when the opportunity opened. Whittaker, who is older than Morrell despite being earlier in his pro career, has taken heat from fans who see the decision as a missed test rather than a step forward.
The “business” excuse always feels a bit thin to fans when there’s a literal main event opening and a world-class opponent waving his hand. Since Whittaker is actually older than Morrell, the “taking your time” argument loses its punch. It starts to look less like a savvy executive move and more like a tactical retreat.
Whittaker is basically betting that he can maintain his star power by beating guys like Suarez while waiting for the “perfect” time to face elite threats.
Ken Woods has been a senior writer at Boxing News 24 since 2013, covering the sport from every angle. With years of ringside reporting, he delivers fight news, results, and analysis that cut through the noise. Ken’s work consistently spotlights champions, contenders, and rising prospects, giving fans a sharp, knowledgeable view of the global boxing scene.