The reaction focused less on activity and more on who he is facing. One fan wrote, “He’s almost 29 with a deep amateur background; he should be fighting better competition by now,” pointing to David Morrell moving into high-level fights early in his career. Another comment questioned Whittaker going the distance with a journeyman, while others asked directly who he will face in Liverpool and in the US.
Whittaker turned professional in 2022 after winning Olympic silver and building one of the strongest amateur records in the British system. He signed with Matchroom on October 6, 2025, and has fought once since, stopping Benjamin Gavazi in the first round on November 29.
He is the same age as Morrell and has built a similar number of professional fights, yet his opposition has remained at a lower level. His bouts have largely come against experienced opponents brought in to extend rounds, giving him time to work on different aspects of his style.
Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn has not revealed an opponent for the April 18 return and has offered no details on the planned US debut beyond confirming it will follow the Liverpool fight.
Those fights have kept him active, but they have not settled questions about how he performs against fighters operating closer to title level.
No opponent has been confirmed for April 18, and no details have been released for the US debut beyond its placement after the Liverpool date. The two fights are expected to form part of Matchroom’s spring and early summer schedule. The dates are set, but the level of opposition remains the point being questioned.
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