Ben Whittaker knocks out Braian Suarez in first round before announcing US debut on Jaron Ennis and Xander Zayas show
Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn announces Ben Whittaker will make his American debut in New York in June on the undercard of Jaron Ennis against Xander Zayas, before returning to headline in Birmingham; Whittaker extends unbeaten record with first-round KO against Braian Suarez
Saturday 18 April 2026 22:12, UK
Ben Whittaker knocked out Braian Suarez inside one round to take another step towards the biggest names in the light heavyweight division on Saturday.
Whittaker had recently been elevated to the main event in Liverpool after an injury ruled Callum Smith out of his scheduled WBO interim light heavyweight championship clash with David Morrell.
He saw to an early night for all with a lightning start culminating in a crushing right hand that floored his Argentinian opponent with little over 40 seconds left in the first round.
In doing so he lifted his unbeaten professional record to 11-0-1 after a second successive first-round stoppage following November's win over Benjamin Gavazi.
"For me, they can all call me out. They are calling me out for a reason," Whittaker said on DAZN. "The more I get in this ring, the more experience I get, the more I get comfortable, it's dangerous for them."
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Speaking post-fight, Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed Whittaker will make his US debut in June.
"We know exactly what we're doing. Next up he's going to be where he should be, he's going to be where all the superstars go and like to walk in front of the bright lights - New York, he's coming," Hearn told DAZN.
"Jaron Ennis-Xander Zayas, Barclays Center, Brooklyn. You're going to see the true star of British boxing, Ben Whittaker, make his American debut on June 27.
"Then we'll come back and headline in Birmingham in a big fight, whether it's a big domestic fight, a final eliminator for the world championship.
"By the end of that period, I truly believe in 2027 he'll be ready for every 175 pounder in the world. We've finally got somebody in this country who has all the superstar potential, but could go out and beat them all. This young man is very very special."
Earlier in the night former UFC star and home favourite Molly McCann claimed a commanding points win over Ashleigh Johnson in her fourth fight since moving across from MMA.
The 35-year-old was greeted to the ring by close friend Jamie Webster while wearing Everton-themed shorts, a day out from the Merseyside Derby against Liverpool.
Referee Mark Lyson scored the fight 78-74 in favour of McCann, who remains unbeaten as a boxer.
