Boxing Match Preview: Ben Whittaker (9-0-1, 6 KOs) vs. Benjamin Gavazi (19-1-0, 13 KOs)

The light heavyweight landscape intensifies on December 6, 2025, as British Olympic sensation Ben “The Surgeon” Whittaker makes his highly anticipated Matchroom Boxing debut against the gritty German powerhouse Benjamin Gavazi. This 10-round clash for the vacant WBC Silver belt headlines a stacked DAZN card in Birmingham, pitting Whittaker’s flamboyant precision against Gavazi’s relentless pressure. Whittaker, fresh off a promotional switch from BOXXER, eyes a statement win to silence critics and propel toward world contention, while Gavazi seeks his first major upset abroad after a dominant domestic run. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the event, including all requested details.

Venue Location

The showdown unfolds at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), a sprawling multi-purpose arena in Birmingham, West Midlands, England (GMT time zone). This iconic venue, just minutes from Whittaker’s hometown of West Bromwich, hosts over 1,500 events annually and seats up to 12,500 for boxing, delivering a raucous, partisan atmosphere under its vast dome. Address: Birmingham B40 1NT, UK. Promoted by Matchroom Boxing in association with BOXXER, the card streams exclusively on DAZN worldwide, with UK viewers accessing via app or smart TV starting at 7:00 PM GMT. Parking and public transport (Birmingham International Station) make it accessible for the expected sellout crowd.

Main Card Start Time: 7:00 PM GMT / 8:00 PM CET / 2:00 PM EST (undercard kicks off earlier at 6:00 PM GMT)

Ring Walks for Whittaker vs. Gavazi: Projected around 10:00 PM GMT / 11:00 PM CET / 5:00 PM EST, as the main event following key undercard bouts like Cameron Vuong vs. Gavin Gwynne II and Molly McCann vs. Ebonie Cotton. Timings may shift based on fight durations, but DAZN’s live coverage ensures seamless viewing.

Injury Report

Both combatants report fully fit as of December 4, 2025, with no setbacks derailing preparations. Medical clearances from the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC) confirm readiness for the 10-rounder.

Ben Whittaker: Cleared without issues. The 28-year-old overcame a lingering hand strain from his April 2025 stoppage of Liam Cameron, fully resolving it during a summer layoff. Training under new coach Andy Lee in Las Vegas has been incident-free, with 200+ sparring rounds logged alongside southpaws like Lyndon Arthur. Weigh-in target: 175 lbs; recent footage shows explosive movement and no defensive vulnerabilities.

Benjamin Gavazi: Cleared to compete. The 30-year-old German heavyweight has enjoyed an uninterrupted camp since his December 2024 title win, avoiding the minor shoulder tweak that sidelined a sparring partner. Based in Landau, he’s sparred with European contenders like Branimir Malenica without problems. Weigh-in target: 175 lbs; promoters highlight his “bulletproof” chin and conditioning.

Clean bills ensure a high-output affair, though Whittaker’s showboating could invite Gavazi’s power if unchecked.

Fighter Matchups

A stylistic showdown: Whittaker’s slick, taunting amateur flair versus Gavazi’s orthodox brawling and volume. Whittaker’s elite footwork and jab should control distance, but Gavazi’s experience in hostile venues adds upset intrigue. Tale of the tape favors the Brit’s length and speed.

Category	Ben Whittaker	Benjamin Gavazi
Nickname	The Surgeon	N/A
Age	28 (Born Jun 6, 1997)	30 (Born Jan 24, 1995)
Height	6’3″ (191 cm)	6’2″ (188 cm)
Reach	75″ (191 cm)	74″ (est.)
Stance	Orthodox	Orthodox
Weight Class	Light Heavyweight (175 lbs)	Light Heavyweight
Pro Debut	Jul 2022	Nov 2018
Record	9-0-1 (6 KOs, 60% KO rate)	19-1-0 (13 KOs, 68% KO rate)
Style	Elusive boxer-puncher	Aggressive volume puncher
Strengths	Speed, angles, ring IQ	Power, durability, pressure
Weaknesses	Showboating, untested chin	Footwork, away form

Key Matchup Notes: Whittaker’s Olympic pedigree (53-13 amateur) grants superior timing, potentially frustrating Gavazi’s forward march with pivots and counters. However, Gavazi’s 11-fight KO streak post-debut tests Whittaker’s defense—expect early probing from the German, mid-round dominance by the host if he stays composed.

Recent Form

Whittaker’s 2025 has been selective but emphatic, rebounding from a blemish; Gavazi enters cold but sharp after a 2024 peak.

Ben Whittaker (2-0-0 in 2025): A tale of redemption. After the October 2024 technical draw with Liam Cameron (ruled due to ring fall injury), Whittaker enlisted Andy Lee and dismantled him via second-round TKO in April 2025 at Resorts World Arena, Birmingham—landing 62% power accuracy in a clinic. No fights since, but a focused Matchroom camp keeps him razor-sharp. Form: W (TKO). Undefeated streak restored at 9-0-1; critics note improved patience.

Benjamin Gavazi (0-0-0 in 2025; 3-0 in late 2024): Inactive year, but momentum carries from a blistering close to 2024. His last outing: December 12, 2024, seventh-round TKO of Branimir Malenica in Hamburg to snag the WBC Silver belt, followed by two prior KOs (unanimous over journeymen). Form: W (TKO) → Idle. 11 straight wins (9 KOs); durable but unproven on UK soil.

Whittaker’s activity edge clashes with Gavazi’s finishing threat—model predicts early control shifting to stoppage.

Fight History

Whittaker’s pro arc is meteoric with flash; Gavazi’s a steady European grinder with one early scar.

Ben Whittaker’s Key Fights (Pro since 2022; 10 total bouts):

Apr 20, 2025: W-TKO 2 vs. Liam Cameron (Resorts World Arena, Birmingham) – Vengeful demolition; dropped him thrice.

Oct 2024: D-TD 5 vs. Liam Cameron (Utilita Arena, Birmingham) – Controversial draw after ring fall injury.

Mar 31, 2024: W-UD 8 vs. Leon Willings (O2 Arena, London) – Technical nod amid boos for showmanship.

Feb 3, 2024: W-TKO 5 vs. Khalid Graidia (Wembley Arena, London) – Highlight-reel body shots.

Earlier: 5-0 debut run (4 KOs) vs. journeymen, including 2023 stoppages building hype.

Career Arc: 2020 Olympic silver fuels rise; Matchroom switch elevates stakes—now ranked WBA/WBC/IBF #10.

Benjamin Gavazi’s Key Fights (Pro since 2018; 20 total bouts):

Dec 12, 2024: W-TKO 7 vs. Branimir Malenica (Hamburg, Germany) – Title-clinching barrage.

Sep 2024: W-KO 4 vs. Local Heavyweight (Landau) – Quick finish in regional defense.

Jun 2024: W-UD 10 vs. European Contender (Berlin) – Volume win to extend streak.

2019-2023: 15 straight wins (11 KOs) post-debut loss, including 2023 TKO of a Croatian prospect.

Debut: Nov 2018 L-PTS vs. Veteran (Germany).

Career Arc: Transformed from debut flop to 19-1 force; WBC #15, excels in Germany but 0-0 abroad.

Fresh matchup; no shared history.

FIGHT ODDS

Ben Whittaker                  – 2000

Benjamin Gavazi              + 1000

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, December 5, 2025