Benjamin Whittaker

Benjamin G. Whittaker (born 6 June 1997), is a British professional boxer who has held the IBF International light-heavyweight title since June 2024. As an amateur, he won a silver medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics. He turned professional in 2022.

Early life Whittaker was born to an English-Austrian mother and a Jamaican father.

Amateur career In 2018, he was picked to represent England in the 2018 Commonwealth Games, which took place in Australia's Gold Coast.

In 2019, he was selected to compete at the World Championships in Yekaterinburg, Russia, where he won the bronze medal after losing by unanimous decision to Dilshodbek Ruzmetov in the semi-finals.

In 2021, at the men's light-heavyweight category at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Whittaker won the silver medal against Arlen Lopez, who won gold.

His amateur record stands at 53–13.

Professional career In 2022 he signed a professional deal with Boxxer, training with SugarHill Steward.

On 3 February 2024 at Wembley Arena in London, Whittaker defeated Khalid Graidia via fifth round technical knockout.

On 31 March 2024, Whittaker fought at The O2 Arena in London on the undercard of a British heavyweight title fight between Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke, defeating Leon Willings via unanimous decision.

On 15 June 2024, Whittaker won the IBF International light-heavyweight title after defeating 12–0 Ezra Arenyeka by unanimous decision.

On 12 October 2024, Whittaker made his first defence of his IBF International light-heavyweight title against Liam Cameron on the undercard of Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol. During the bout both boxers became entangled as Whittaker pulled Cameron towards the ropes, resulting in their tumbling over and Whittaker being forced to withdraw due to an injury. The fight subsequently went to the judges' scorecards, as per the rules of the British Boxing Board of Control, with both boxers receiving a 58–57 score respectively as well as a 58–58 score, resulting in a split decision technical draw.

Whittaker faced Cameron in a rematch in Birmingham on 20 April 2025. He won by stoppage in the second round.

In October 2025, he signed a long-term contract with Eddie Hearn led Matchroom Boxing. A month later on 29 November, Whittaker stopped Benjamin Gavazi in the first round of their fight at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham to win the vacant WBC Silver light-heavyweight title.

Whittaker knocked out Braian Suarez in round one at Liverpool Arena in Liverpool on 18 April 2026.

He made his United States debut against Richard Rivera at the Barclays Center in New York City on 27 June 2026. Whittaker sent his opponent to the canvas at the end of the first round and knocked him down again early in the second round, prompting the referee to stop the fight and award him the win by technical knockout.

Public image Whittaker has attracted attention for his flamboyant in-ring style which often includes exaggerated feints and taunting gestures. His approach has divided opinion among boxing fans and commentators, with some describing it as entertaining and others viewing it as disrespectful to opponents and the sport. In 2023, ITV News reported that Whittaker had been criticised by some boxing fans for “making a mockery of the sport” and that others had said he “needs humbling”. Whittaker rejected the suggestion that his style was disrespectful, saying that boxing was “show business” and that he wanted to entertain paying spectators.

Some of Whittaker’s opponents have also criticised his over-the-top showmanship. Before their 2024 bout, Ezra Arenyeka said that Whittaker had “always showboated and acted silly in the ring” and argued that the behavior made him appear arrogant, although Whittaker went on to defeat Arenyeka by unanimous decision. Ahead of their scheduled 2026 bout, Whittaker's opponent Richard Rivera said he was "not convinced" by Whittaker and claimed that Whittaker had "the boxing world fooled".

Professional boxing record

Anime influence Whittaker has spoken publicly about his interest in Japanese Anime, which has influenced both his personal style and body art. A fan of series such as One Piece, he has incorporated this interest into multiple tattoos, including large designs inspired by its characters, and has travelled to Japan to have some of the artwork completed. He started getting his anime tattoos in Japan after he won his silver medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. He has stated that his tattoos reflect his personality and individuality, and that his appreciation for anime is a significant part of his identity outside the ring.