Whittaker to make pro debut on Fury-Hunter undercard

British boxing's newest star Ben Whittaker will launch his professional career on the big stage on Saturday, July 2 in Manchester, live on Sky Sports.

The Olympic silver medallist, who signed with BOXXER last month, will feature on the undercard of the Hughie Fury vs Michael Hunter WBA World Heavyweight Title eliminator at the AO Arena.

Whittaker is the final member of the record-breaking Team GB Tokyo medallists to turn professional and is one of the biggest and most exciting names in recent years to move over from the amateur ranks.

Guiding the 24-year-old Wolverhampton native on his professional path in the light-heavyweight division will be SugarHill Steward, trainer of heavyweight megastar Tyson Fury. He has compared Whittaker to the legendary Roy Jones Jr, noting that both turned professional after achieving Olympic glory.

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"Everything that's happened so far has led me to this and I have been waiting my whole life for this moment. I am just so excited to get in the ring and show you all what you already know I can do, I am counting down the days,” said Whittaker.

BOXXER Founder and CEO Ben Shalom said: “I’m very excited ahead of the professional debut of Ben Whittaker and believe that we’re going to witness the start of a very special journey in his career on July 2. We’ve never seen so much interest in a fighter announcement."

Adam Smith, Sky Sports head of boxing development said: “A brilliant main event is supported by the highly-anticipated professional beginning for Olympian starlet Ben Whittaker. This is a huge moment for Sky, Boxxer, 258, his trainer SugarHill and Ben’s family.

"We think he’s got the mix of skill, strength and personality to become