Ben Whittaker has fight upgraded to main event as injury forces cancellation

Ben Whittaker will now fight in the main event on April 18 after Callum Smith pulled out of his clash with David Morrell.

Whittaker was due to compete on the bill in what is another run-out fight before a targeted US debut this summer.

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An opponent had yet to be named but it was Smith’s light heavyweight showdown with Morrell that would headline the bill.

But the Liverpudlian will no longer compete after suffering a rib injury during training camp.

He has been withdrawn from the event, and rising superstar Whittaker will now top the bill.

‘The Surgeon’ will instead take on Argentinian Braian Suarez in the new headline act, looking to keep momentum after knocking out Benjamin Gavazi.

On his upgrade to the main slot of the card, Whittaker said: “Performing in front of the scousers, who are a set of true fight fans, for the first time is going to be special.

“I’m really looking forward to headlining in Liverpool. I know everyone was expecting me to be fighting next in America – and that’s still very much the plan.

“I need to win this and we’ll be making a big announcement on that soon.

“But it is important for me to stay active as a fighter. So I am delighted to be able to jump on this great Liverpool card to keep myself ticking over.”

Suarez in his career against limited opposition is known as somewhat of a KO artist.

But the former Olympian will be hugely favoured to get the job done and avoid upset before trying to make a splash stateside.

Ben Whittaker’s plans for 2026

Matchroom Boxing

His promotion plan to move him carefully but keep him active, with each step to take him through the levels.

Whittaker hasn’t yet fought in 2026 but is being planned to fight four times this year, with world honours to come in 2026.

Matchroom Boxing’s Frank Smith told talkSPORT: “In the next 12 to 14 months, we are going to give him four fights.

“He hasn’t really had the momentum in his career up until now.

“He has had 10 fights in the last three years. But over the next 14 months, we are going to build him in the right manner.

“And then in early 2027, we can start pushing on with those world title opportunities.

“He has got everything, he is the full package. He doesn’t need to be rushed.”

Boxing schedule

For all the upcoming fights and results this year, check out talkSPORT.com’s  boxing schedule.