Birmingham’s getting ready for a homecoming with teeth.
Ben Whittaker, the Olympic silver medallist with the swagger of a movie villain and the reflexes of a street magician, will make his Matchroom Boxing debut on Saturday, November 29, fighting for the Vacant WBC Silver Light Heavyweight Title live on DAZN.
The show lands at the NEC Birmingham, and you can already feel the noise brewing. Whittaker’s been itching for this stage — and Matchroom’s handing him the mic and the spotlight in one go. His opponent, Germany’s Benjamin Gavazi (19-1, 13 KOs), isn’t some hand-picked body. The guy can punch. This is a test, not a showcase.
“I’m the Show — And I’m the Future”
Whittaker’s never been shy about his intentions, and he’s not starting now. The Brummie’s 9-0-1 (6 KOs) record barely scratches the surface of what he’s aiming for — world titles, legacy, and headlines that scare the old guard.
“Ben Whittaker is the greatest signing any promoter could make,” said Eddie Hearn, who’ll officially unveil him this Friday at London’s Landing Forty Two. “He levels up from the start — a major title shot in his hometown on a card stacked top to bottom.”
Whittaker’s response was typically ice-cold earlier this week: “They say boxing’s a sport. I say it’s art — and I’m the only one painting masterpieces.”
Translation? Expect a performance that’s equal parts skill and chaos.
Vuong vs Gwynne II – No More Excuses
The co-main’s got unfinished business written all over it.
Cameron Vuong and Gavin Gwynne go again in a rematch that’s been simmering for a year after their controversial first scrap. Vuong’s now training under Ben Davison and coming off a sharp win in Sunderland, but Gwynne’s been waiting to even the score.
The WBO European Lightweight Title adds spice, but this one’s about pride. Vuong says he’ll “make it clean this time.” Gwynne says he’ll “drag him through hell.” Good. That’s what we pay for.
Molly McCann, Aaron Bowen, and Local Mayhem
MMA convert Molly “Meatball” McCann is back for her second pro fight after a wild debut in Belfast. She’s not in there to play nice — she’s fighting to prove she’s more than a crossover headline. Expect pressure, blood, and that trademark grit.
Coventry’s Aaron Bowen also gets his shot, fighting Tom Cowling for the vacant Midlands Area Middleweight Title. Bowen’s quietly becoming one of Britain’s hardest-working prospects, and doing it in front of his home fans makes this one personal.
The Word from Matchroom and DAZN
“It’s a stacked night — Whittaker fighting for a title, Vuong-Gwynne II settling scores, and McCann back in the mix,” said Hearn. “It’s a real Midlands takeover.”
DAZN VP Alfie Sharman added: “Whittaker’s debut with Matchroom is a massive moment for the sport — live, global, and exclusive on DAZN.”
The press conference hits this Friday, October 17, at 2:30 p.m. in London — expect sharp suits, sharper words, and one hell of a staredown.
Aaron Bowen fighting for a belt sounds cool but who even is Tom Cowling? They just putting these titles up to make people care. Real champions fight real names. This ain’t it. 🥴
Why does Eddie Hearn always act like every fight he promotes is historic? He said the same thing last year and nobody remembers it now. Let the boxers earn the moment, not just the press talk.
Eddie just cares about making himself look good. He wants people to think he found the next big thing every time. But real fans know most of these fights ain’t that deep.
I think Benjamin Gavazi gonna surprise everyone. 19 wins and 13 knockouts don’t come easy. Just cause he not British don’t mean he’s weak. Whittaker better not sleep on him or it’s lights out.
They keep saying Whittaker is the future but what if he loses? Ain’t no one talking about that. Boxing got too much hype and not enough reality. Let’s see him bleed before we call him great.
Exactly! One loss and they’ll turn on him like they always do. These promoters just want to sell tickets and drama. Not about the sport no more, just money and talking loud. 💸
I don’t see how Molly McCann thinks boxing is the same as MMA. Just cause she can swing hard don’t mean she can outbox these girls. She better learn fast or get embarrassed.
Yeah true. MMA fighters think they can do anything. But boxing is different and she gonna find out quick when someone with real skill starts tagging her up.
I actually think Molly got what it takes. She’s tough and don’t back down. With more time she could be a real problem in boxing. Grit matters too, not just technique.
This whole event just feels like a big ad for DAZN. They act like we should be thankful to watch it. If it’s gonna be a Midlands takeover then at least make tickets cheaper for locals.
Everybody hyping up this Vuong vs Gwynne rematch like it’s Ali vs Frazier. The first fight wasn’t even that good, just messy. I don’t think either of them got what it takes to go big.
Totally agree. Vuong thinks he’s something because of one decent win, but Gwynne gonna smash him this time. He better come ready for a real fight, not some clean little dance.
Nah y’all wrong. Gwynne was lucky to even make it through the last fight. Vuong is faster, smarter and got better people training him now. Gwynne just mad he got outclassed.
I don’t get why people are acting like Ben Whittaker is some kind of genius. He only fought 10 times and now already talking like he the best ever. Let him prove it first. Too much talk, not enough real fight yet. 🥊