BEN WHITTAKER has been backed to become an even greater British star than Prince Naseem Hamed – by the man who once HEADBUTTED him.
Whittaker – – has dazzled inside and outside of the ring since his professional debut four years ago.
Ezra Arenyeka headbuttting Ben Whittaker in their 2024 fight Credit: Sky Sports
British boxing great Prince Naseem Hamed Credit: Getty
His flash persona and undeniable skills have drawn comparisons to Prince Naz –
But Ezra Arenyeka – who was beaten by Whittaker in 2024 – reckons his former rival’s social media presence will see him surpass Hamed’s popularity.
Arenyeka, 30, told SunSport: “I think he’s an amazing fighter and he’s a blessed fighter and I think everyone should get behind him and support him and let’s witness greatness.
“Yes, he’s on his way there right now. He’s on his way. He’s so skilful, he’s so powerful, he’s got the swag, he’s got the fans, he’s entertaining.
“I think he’s the next – if not might be bigger than Naseem – because of the social media era we’re in right now.”
Arenyeka was beaten on points by Whittaker and barely laid a glove on the light-heavyweight.
after growing frustrated by Whittaker’s antics in the ring as round six came to a close.
Despite the illegal blow and stoppage loss, Arenyeka – who returns on Friday in Nigeria against Godday Appah live on DAZN – remains a fan of Whittaker.
The Home of Boxing in 2026
There's a massive year of boxing ahead!
It’s shaping up to be a blockbuster year of action inside the boxing ring.
takes on the king of kickboxing Rico Verhoeven and Fabio Wardley will defend his newly won heavyweight crown against fellow Brit .
returns to the ring in July to face Kristian Prenga ahead of a potential blockbuster bout against Tyson Fury later in the year.
will be hoping to make a comeback after his defeat to Terence Crawford, while Dave Allen will also be looking to get back to winning ways against Filip Hrgovic.
A whole bunch of British stars could also take a leap into superstardom, with the likes of , Hamzah Sheeraz and Adam Azim ready to join the very top of the sport.
May
- Sat 2 – Naoya Inoue vs Junto Nakatani – Undisputed super-bantamweight title – DAZN
- Sat 2 – Zurdo Ramirez vs David Benavidez – WBA & WBO Cruiserweight titles – Prime Video
- Sat 9 – Fabio Wardley vs Daniel Dubois – WBO title – DAZN PPV
- Sat 16 – Dave Allen vs Filip Hrgovic – DAZN
- Sat 23 – Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven – WBC title – DAZN
June
- Sat 6 – Dalton Smith vs Alberto Puello – WBC super lightweight title – DAZN
- Sat 13 – Tommy Fury vs Eddie Hall – DAZN
- Sat 20 – Ryan Garner vs Michael Magnesi – DAZN
- Sat 27 – Xander Zayas vs Jaron Ennis – DAZN
July
- Sat 25 – Anthony Joshua vs Kristian Prenga – DAZN
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He said: “His last three fights he’s knocked out people within two rounds. That says a lot, but obviously the program takes time.
“So I think what Matchroom are doing now is very good. They’re giving him time to develop properly and eventually he’s gonna become a world champion.
“I hope he becomes a world champion. Hopefully he moves up to cruiserweight and we can have a rematch also.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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