The 28-year-old Whittaker delivered a decisive performance, stopping Suarez early in the bout. According to BBC Sport, Ben Whittaker described his opponent as a very good fighter but said he knew when to finish the job. The fight was streamed live on DAZN, as reported by major media outlets.
Whittaker's professional record now stands at 11 wins, 0 losses, and 1 draw, according to major media reports. His previous fight was a first-round knockout of Benjamin Gavazi in November. In late 2024, he had a technical draw with Liam Cameron, then stopped him in a rematch in 2025.
Don't get it twisted, he's a very good fighter. I was expecting a few rounds but then I wasn't because of the work with my brother and the work with Andy. I'm hitting now. I'm finding my feet - I know when to play and I know when to get him out of there too.
The 34-year-old Suarez faced Whittaker in a light-heavyweight contest that drew attention despite the late change to the card. The specific injury that caused Callum Smith to withdraw from the event has not been disclosed. Attendance figures for the M&S Bank Arena have not been released, though there were empty seats due to Smith's withdrawal, according to major media reports.
Whittaker has faced criticism for showboating and not taking fights seriously enough, as reported by major media. Terence Crawford advised him to be more ruthless and stop playing with his opponents. According to Daily Mirror - Main, Ben Whittaker described how Crawford told him he had all the skill but played with his food too much, leading to a realization that changed his approach. He added that he can still entertain but now focuses on finishing fights when opportunities arise.
It’s always been in me but I liked messing around. I was in Dubai and Terence told me I’ve got all the skill but that I play with my food too much. I sat back and realised that was true and ever since then I've been knocking them clean out. But I do like to mess around and I can do both.
Promoter Eddie Hearn has indicated that Whittaker is on the verge of a world title shot in the light-heavyweight division. Fans are calling for Whittaker to take a step up in competition level. The exact date of his next fight and who he will face as he seeks a title shot remain unknown.
On the undercard, Molly McCann won her fight against Ashleigh Johnson by points, according to major media reports. The event's impact was noted with reduced attendance following the main event change.
I can hop on one foot, I can spin around and I can look into the crowd during a fight. But if the shot is there for the taking, that’s what I like to do now. As soon as that first jab landed, as soon as the body shot landed, I knew it was good.
I was immature back then. I had all the skill but I came from a household where we didn't have much. I blew up overnight. I had the world at my feet and I was enjoying my life. That was a good turning point in my career; each fight since I have knocked them all out. But I am trying to bring the showboating back. I looked out of the ring, I revved the crowd up and the next thing you know he was on the floor.
I'm trying to bring it back but I'm hitting too hard these days. I'm finding my feet - I know when to play and I know when to get him out of there too. I’m glad the Liam Cameron chapter happened when it did and not later in my career; I'm a better fighter now.