Asked about Whittaker’s long-term future, Hearn pointed to the division’s biggest names.
“Ben Whittaker is not just a huge personality, a great entertainer, not just a guy that drives huge numbers across social. He’s an elite fighter,” said Hearn to Fight Hub TV.
Hearn then said the level he expects Whittaker to reach is against fighters such as Dmitry Bivol, Artur Beterbiev, and Callum Smith.
“The only level that I think is going to be competitive for Ben Whittaker is the big levels. Bivol, Beterbiev, all those guys. I don’t see anybody else.”
The Matchroom promoter went even further when asked about Whittaker’s championship potential.
“I’m saying Ben Whittaker will be the light heavyweight champion in the world, and I want him to win all the belts.”
Whittaker enters Saturday’s fight with an 11-0-1 record and is coming off a first-round knockout of Braian Suarez in April. Rivera, who has won six of his last seven fights, will provide the latest test as the Olympic silver medalist makes his first appearance in the United States.
Hearn says Whittaker still needs the resume to match the talent. But if he produces another eye-catching performance against Rivera, the promoter believes the conversation will quickly shift from prospects and contenders to world title fights.
