Ben Whittaker vs. Benjamin Gavazi | DAZN - 29 November 2025

[Ruthless-RKO]

Round-by-Round starts here




Ben Whittaker to face Benjamin Gavazi in first Matchroom fight

Ben Whittaker will face Benjamin Gavazi of Germany in his first fight since signing a deal with Matchroom, but Eddie Hearn revealed to ESPN it nearly happened three years ago.

Whittaker (9-0-1, 6 KOs) will headline a show in his home town of Birmingham on Nov. 29.

It will be the Olympic silver medalist's first fight under Hearn's Matchroom banner after turning professional with rival U.K.-based promoters Boxxer in 2022.

But Hearn said the 6-foot-3 English boxer, who has 3.5 million social media followers, was on the brink of turning professional with Matchroom in 2022.

"People don't know that we agreed a deal with Ben Whittaker when he turned professional," Hearn told ESPN.

"We set up a great promo shoot with him and filmed the whole thing with him while we were just finalising the final few bits of the contract. Then Boxxer came in with a sack load of money and gazumped us on the line, when we had already filmed the promo. I have never known anything like this.

"He is a phenomenal signing for us. For two or three years we had to watch him carry on his career. I have seen his following and even my kids when I tell them we have signed him they knew all about him.

"He's better than people think he is, he just needs to believe in himself and be active. I think he can win the world light heavyweight world championship and if he goes that far he's going to be massive."

Light heavyweight Whittaker, 28, last boxed in April when he stopped English rival Liam Cameron in two rounds following a technical draw against Cameron a year ago, when the fight was stopped after Whittaker was injured falling out of the ring.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release

Olympic silver medalist Whittaker (9-0-1, 6 KOs) will be officially unveiled by Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn at a Press Conference in London this Friday, October 17, at Landing Forty Two (The Leadenhall Building, 122 Leadenhall St, London EC3V 4AB) – with media invited to attend from 1.30pm, before the press conference starts at 2.30pm. Click here to attend.

More Fight Night dates will be announced in due course – but Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre (The NEC) will see Matchroom Boxing’s latest marquee signing Whittaker face Germany’s hard-hitting Benjamin Gavazi (19-1, 13 KOs) in a major step-up to lay down a huge marker in the Light-Heavyweight division.

In the co-main for the undercard in Birmingham, bitter rivals Cameron Vuong and Gavin Gwynne return to the scene of their controversial first fight in a long-awaited rematch.

Vuong is now under the tutelage of trainer Ben Davison and was victorious under the watchful eye of veteran Lightweight Gwynne last month in Sunderland.

This time, with his WBO European Title to defend, the young North-East fighter will be determined to ensure there are no question marks after he edged a hotly contested unanimous points win almost 12 months ago.

On the same night in Birmingham, former MMA superstar Molly McCann is back out too for her second pro bout – plus Coventry’s Aaron Bowen looks to continue his impressive run of form in front of his local fans when he battles Tom Cowling for the vacant Midlands Area MIddleweight Title.

Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn said: “Ben Whittaker is the greatest signing any promoter in the world could have made. And he levels up from the get-go in front of his home fans in Birmingham on what is another unmissable card, stacked with huge fights.

“Vuong-Gwynne II has been a year in the making – and on November 29, Cameron Vuong will be hungry to dispel any doubts over their first fight and set himself up for a busy year ahead.

“Molly McCann enjoyed a brilliant debut in Belfast. She has a huge future ahead of her too and this will be another important step-up in what is only her second professional fight.

“And Aaron Bowen has a great opportunity to kick on in the Middleweight division when he fights for the Midlands Area title. It will be a cracking night with more top fights still to be announced.”

DAZN VP, Alfie Sharman, added: “The Matchroom Boxing debut of Ben Whittaker will be a massive moment for the sport. And it is all live, all exclusive worldwide, only on DAZN.”

Further event specific details – including ticket news and media accreditation information – will be shared separately in due course.

[tony1234]

Not very ambitious, 30 year old German been around for ages knocking over nobodies. Can't see the point in saying next level

[Ruthless-RKO]

Not very ambitious, 30 year old German been around for ages knocking over nobodies. Can't see the point in saying next level

GAME CHANGED!!

[Ruthless-RKO]

[Ruthless-RKO]

First Lima and now this..

[tony1234]

First Lima and now this..

What is the point of this ? He's either wasting his time fighting guys like this or not confident of moving up a level

[Ruthless-RKO]

Maybe a bit of both.

Hearn not too keen to step his guys up quicker.

Not like it was was 7-8 years ago

[Taansend]

Gavazi sounds like something a New York 'Italian' would say to cover up that he doesn't actually know how to speak Italian

[CaptainSpacerod]

Gavazi sounds like something a New York 'Italian' would say to cover up that he doesn't actually know how to speak Italian

I can totally imagine Chris Moltisanti, riled by some trivial irritation, using it as an insult

[coneye]

Nobody can sell a boxr like Hearn , except for Warren But he may have a hard job with Whittaker , he's had easy fights done nothing but lair and make a goose of himself , so much that if he carried on he would of given Connor a run for his money in the most disliked stakes ,

But whereass Benn when the chips came down to it could and did adhere himself to many people by putting up a gutsy hard performance against Eubank , i doubt Whittaker could or would do the same , soon has he gets in with someone who's not read the script , he;ll dog it again , got a big touch of the Dubois about him , but in the meantime while Matchroom search high and low for easy fights to build him up , i forecast Ben will come out more humble , then with each easy win get cockier , louder , and back to normal with a false sence of how good he actually is , then he's have his big fight and DOG IT

[KiwiRider]

On paper (I've never seen him) Benjamin Gavazi looks like a knockover ready for knocking over.
It's a fight I'm not going out of my way to see- unless Gavazi wins, then I'll definitely check it out sometime

[Ruthless-RKO]

Ben Whittaker-Benjamin Gavazi set for November 29

Ben Whittaker is to fight Benjamin Gavazi of Germany at The NEC in Birmingham, England on November 29.

The 28-year-old light heavyweight recently signed promotional terms with Matchroom, who have prioritised matching him in a main event close to his hometown of West Bromwich.

Gavazi, 30, has previously fought outside of his home country on two occasions, but in Kosovo and Bosnia. The contest with Whittaker will be his first in the UK, and will be supported by the sought-after rematch between the lightweights Cameron Vuong and Gavin Gwynne. BS also understands that Whittaker's fellow British and Matchroom-promoted light heavyweight Craig Richards will have a fight confirmed for December 20.

“Ben Whittaker is the greatest signing any promoter in the world could have made,” said Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn. “And he levels up from the get-go in front of his home fans in Birmingham on what is another unmissable card, stacked with huge fights.

“Vuong-Gwynne II has been a year in the making – and on November 29, Cameron Vuong will be hungry to dispel any doubts over their first fight and set himself up for a busy year ahead.”

There will also be a fight against an opponent to be confirmed for the junior featherweight Molly McCann, and between Aaron Bowen and Tom Cowling for the vacant midlands area middleweight title.

“Molly McCann enjoyed a brilliant debut in Belfast [stopping Kate Radomska],” Hearn continued. “She has a huge future ahead of her too and this will be another important step-up in what is only her second professional fight.

“And Aaron Bowen has a great opportunity to kick on in the middleweight division when he fights for the midlands area title. It will be a cracking night with more top fights still to be announced.”

[Ruthless-RKO]

Ben Whittaker-Benjamin Gavazi Headlines Matchroom's Nov. 29 Show In Birmingham

Ben Whittaker's Matchroom debut will headline a Birmingham show next month, as the Olympic silver medallist seeks to scoop up the second title of his three-year pro career.

It has today been announced the 28-year-old Whittaker (9-0-1, 6 KOs) will face Germany's Benjamin Gavazi (19-1, 13 KOs) on November 29 at bp pulse LIVE in what his new promoter called a "major step-up" to lay down a huge marker in the 175-pound division.

Matchroom chief Eddie Hearn called it a "cracking night" while teasing more top fights still to be announced for this Midlands show in the coming weeks, as the rest of their 2025 schedule continues to be unveiled and streamed live worldwide on DAZN.

Landau's Gavazi has reigned unbeaten since suffering a four-round points loss in his November 2018 debut to Rostam Ibrahim, predominantly against unheralded opposition.

The 30-year-old won domestic honours in March 2021, stopping Vasilij Sarbayev after six completed rounds, before winning and later defending the BDB International title once held by notable names Armend Xhoxhaj and Alem Begic.

He scored a 10th-round stoppage win in his most recent contest last December, beating domestic rival Branimir Malenica to win the WBC International Silver belt.

Although Matchroom have noted the title is vacant, Gavazi will seek to make his first defence a memorable one as he ends a near year-long layoff in enemy territory.

Elsewhere in the card's chief support bout, lightweight talent Cameron Vuong will face veteran Gavin Gwynne in a long-awaited rematch. It will be a day shy of exactly one year since their heated first meeting, one the 23-year-old contentiously won on points.

Coventry middleweight Aaron Bowen (7-0, 5 KOs) told The Ring last month of his incremental improvements as he edges toward title level and now, gets a crack against Tom Cowling (14-1, 4 KOs) for the vacant Midlands Area title.

Cowling narrowly fell short in a competitive 10-round clash with Troy Coleman for the belt last September but has an opportunity to spoil Bowen's coming out party on an even bigger platform after a pair of points victories.

Fresh from her stoppage win over Kate Radomska on a memorable debut in Belfast last month, former UFC mainstay Molly McCann will return and promoter Eddie Hearn teased another 'important step-up' when previewing the card given her lofty world title ambitions.

The 36-year-old has been pitted against Rowley Regis' Ebonie Cotton (1-0) in her second six-round contest, as she targets world title honours within eight bouts.

In a press release, Hearn said: "Ben Whittaker is the greatest signing any promoter in the world could have made and levels up from the get-go with a major title shot in front of his home fans in Birmingham on another unmissable card, stacked with huge fights.

[Ruthless-RKO]

[KiwiRider]

"Hard hitting Gavazi"
Yeah 13 from 19 scrubs in the LHW division.
Definitely a little underwhelming.

[tony1234]

"Hard hitting Gavazi"
Yeah 13 from 19 scrubs in the LHW division.
Definitely a little underwhelming.

Look at one of his victims, never seen so much red on BoxRec

[KiwiRider]

"Hard hitting Gavazi"
Yeah 13 from 19 scrubs in the LHW division.
Definitely a little underwhelming.

Look at one of his victims, never seen so much red on BoxRec

I know!
His record is the very definition of "on paper"

[Ruthless-RKO]

'The BBC don't give a toss about boxing': allegedly criticises Boxxer-Matchroom clash

allegedly has questioned the BBC’s motives after the broadcaster’s first date with Boxxer was organised on the same evening as Ben Whittaker-Benjamin Gavazi.

An injury suffered by Jamie Tshikeva forced his withdrawal from the fight with Frazer Clarke for the vacant British heavyweight title that was previously scheduled for Saturday evening – when Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley fight on a promotion overseen by Queensberry Promotions and Warren.

That Parker-Wardley had been confirmed – for London’s O2 Arena – long before Clarke and “TKV” Tshikeva had been scheduled to fight at Vaillant Live in Derby, elsewhere in England, contributed to the promoter previously describing the clash as “disrespectful”, and while Warren recognises that Queensberry, Parker and Wardley will benefit from it being reorganised for November 29, he also knows that his rival promoters Matchroom and the British fight scene could suffer.

If it was tempting for observers of the sport to wonder whether Boxxer had targeted November 29 in an attempt to undermine the light heavyweight Whittaker’s first fight for Matchroom following his departure from them, Warren, increasingly, suspects that it is the BBC and not Ben Shalom’s Boxxer to blame.

The reality remains that a terrestrial television platform like the BBC’s has the potential to prove particularly positive for boxing – DAZN, who also work with Matchroom, have been criticised for making Parker-Wardley pay-per-view – but Warren told Boxing Scene: “I understand [Shalom’s] been given four dates a year, so the first they’ve moved to two dates when there’s shows on in the UK. That tells me the BBC don’t give a toss about boxing.

“They wouldn’t do it for football – they wouldn’t do it for any other sport. Boxing, they’ll do it.

“Of course [Queensberry will] benefit [from the postponement to November 29], and they’d benefit if we weren’t running. That’s where you are.”

Wardley and Clarke had twice previously fought for the same British title. They entertainingly drew in March 2024; Wardley then won inside a round that October.

“It’s got to be, at the end of the day, the BBC, because they’re the ones who say what dates they want the shows on – they’re aware of what’s on in the calendar unless they’re morons,” the promoter continued. “If they don’t know there’s other boxing shows on – and a show featuring the guy who knocked out their main event – then it shows you how much they even know about boxing.”

[dbf]

For Frank smith to heavily criticise Boxxer’s marching of Whittaker and then have this as his first fight with MR is an absolute joke. Whittaker is not going to the top at LH any time soon.

[Bercli]

Nobody can sell a boxr like Hearn , except for Warren But he may have a hard job with Whittaker , he's had easy fights done nothing but lair and make a goose of himself , so much that if he carried on he would of given Connor a run for his money in the most disliked stakes ,

But whereass Benn when the chips came down to it could and did adhere himself to many people by putting up a gutsy hard performance against Eubank , i doubt Whittaker could or would do the same , soon has he gets in with someone who's not read the script , he;ll dog it again , got a big touch of the Dubois about him , but in the meantime while Matchroom search high and low for easy fights to build him up , i forecast Ben will come out more humble , then with each easy win get cockier , louder , and back to normal with a false sence of how good he actually is , then he's have his big fight and DOG IT

Agree. Then he will cash out and walk away. Ali,Leonard,Naz,fantastic showmen, and hugely talented. Whittaker is just an idiot

[Ruthless-RKO]

Cameron Vuong keen to deliver masterclass showing in Gavin Gwynne rematch

LONDON, England — Cameron Vuong believes a settled environment under new trainer Ben Davison will help him produce a career-best display in his much-anticipated Gavin Gwynne rematch next month.

The 23-year-old lightweight (9-0, 4 KOs) will run it back against a wily Welshman adamant he won their first meeting and 364 days later, they return to Birmingham once more.

Vuong enters next month's rematch armed with a new team in his corner, having joined Essex-based Ben Davison after an 18-month stint alongside Jamie Moore at his Manchester gym.

Although the Blyth youngster has been praised for being kept busy and matched tough during the early stages of his career, there's an eagerness to see more from him at a time where Britain's pool of lightweights isn't very deep.

Sam Noakes is a month away from his maiden WBO world title shot against fellow unbeaten contender Abdullah Mason on The Ring IV card in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, but besides him, there's little to write home about.

Former IBF junior lightweight champion Joe Cordina (18-1, 9 KOs) returns against Gabriel Flores Jr on the Diego Pacheco-Kevin Lele Sadjo undercard on December 13 in his second showing back at 135-pounds, having campaigned a weight below for the last five years.

Giorgio Visioli, also a 9-0 prospect like Vuong, is being matched steadily after officially committing to lightweight this year, but if Louis O'Doherty's recent British title win over Regan Glackin was anything to go by earlier this month, there's much to be desired.

It's perhaps why Vuong felt it was important to make big changes now, rather than in two years' time, having taken his fair share of criticism for being less defensively responsible and guilty of going through the motions at times.

"I've settled in nicely, am really enjoying it with the lads - it's unbelievable in there - I'm learning everyday, feel I've made the right move and just getting ready for this rematch," Vuong told The Ring.

Refusing to look past a more determined Gwynne, who felt hard done by and has since gone back to working full-time on the building site after losing sponsors, Vuong believes that experience helped him improve.

"I've come on leaps and bounds, that's the difference between last year and now," he added. "I'm ready for it this time around and know exactly what I'm getting myself into, so focused on producing a better performance."

"I showed I've got dog in me, can bite down on my gumshield when it gets tough and I need to. That's about all I liked about the fight, I believe I won - it was unanimous - but can understand if people's opinions are different. It's time to put on a masterclass and make sure there's no dispute now."

"I feel there's so much I've learned already, you've got to come to the gym first-hand and understand it. It's just another level in there, Ben and Lee [Wylie, his assistant coach] are on it, they work as hard as us fighters, so dedicated putting together game plans, their attention to detail is a big thing, I'm very happy," he added.

During the press conference, Gwynne acknowledged Vuong did what very few prospects were willing to by agreeing to fight him first time around but promised a 'very painful' night if he engages in gung-ho tactics.

"Obviously he's teamed up with Davison, Ben has had me sparring his boys and knows I'm no pushover," Gwynne said. "They'll try outboxing me on the back foot, box-and-move, if he stands there and trades with me, it'll be a very painful night for him.

"Being a championship fighter against elite-level opposition is totally different to facing average journeymen, Jeff Ofori is average, my style is very different to Jordan Flynn. I'm a different kettle of fish. I'm never going to win a world title but I give everything to this sport. For someone to come and beat me, they have to be at a decent level, win world titles like Cordina ... James Tennyson, Mark Chamberlain, they're all good fighters. Vuong isn't there, not at the moment."

[Ruthless-RKO]

Zelfa Barrett Declares He's A 'Different Animal', Joins Matchroom's Nov. 29 Show

Zelfa Barrett has spent much of 2025 out of sight and mind but can't wait to reintroduce himself to boxing fans.

Back in February, Barrett was beaten over 10 rounds by current WBA interim junior lightweight champion Jazza Dickens in a defeat forcing him to rethink his entire strategy.

He made the difficult decision to leave his uncle and trainer, Pat Barrett, and join up with Ring Magazine's 2015 Trainer of the Year, Joe Gallagher. He also accepted his days at junior lightweight were over, moving up to 135 pounds.

Barrett and Gallagher committed to a rebuilding program. After two low-key outings to settle at lightweight, getting used to how each other work, they're now ready for a return to the big stage.

On November 29, Olympic silver medallist Ben Whittaker will make his Matchroom debut at Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre.

Last week Tuesday, it was announced that Barrett will feature among the undercard bouts. For the time being, the former European 130-pound champion doesn't have a name to focus on but couldn't care less.

"Listen, I'm telling you man: I'm knocking this guy out," Barrett (33-3, 18 KOs) told The Ring. "I don't care who he is. I'm going to show these guys.

"I'm special, man. Sometimes you have to take losses to win the championships, it happens.

"I've had to go up in weight, but I'm going to show them, show everyone. You've got a different animal now. I swear on my mother’s soul, I get a different buzz now, I am different."

It is almost a decade since Gallagher brought Barrett in to help Anthony Crolla prepare for his world lightweight title fights with Jorge Linares. He has always been a true believer in Barrett’s ability and has spent nine months adding more devilment and menace to his style.

Barrett is 32 years old but has enjoyed the challenge of transforming his style. He believes there's still plenty of time to make an impact on the world lightweight scene and whilst the plan is to seek out a major fight for the first quarter of 2026, he's solely focused on showing people his improvements come November 29.

"I'm lucky enough to have lived a good life. I’ve not abused my body and not been in all tough fights. I have got a good three, four years whereas some fighters, at this moment in time, they're at the end of their career," he said.

"I've had a good defence, I thank Pat for how I've boxed. I've got this far. It's mad, I'm like a UFC fighter. The older they get, the better they are. Look at the champions now, they're like 35 or 36.

"Because their experience is so bold, I feel like, 'What are you going to show me in a ring that I've not seen?'

[JamesPhilips]

Anyone seen Gavazi fight? I’m just not sold on Whittaker

[Ruthless-RKO]

Fight Week!!