On April 18, 2026, at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, British light-heavyweight boxer Ben Whittaker achieved a decisive victory over Braian Suarez, stopping him in just 2 minutes and 20 seconds. This win improved Whittaker's professional record to 11-0-1, with 8 knockouts, and marked his second consecutive first-round stoppage. The fight was a last-minute replacement after Callum Smith withdrew due to injury, but Whittaker handled the pressure adeptly, dominating from the start. He landed a clean overhand right that sent Suarez to the canvas, prompting referee Howard Foster to halt the contest immediately. Following the fight, Whittaker expressed confidence in his growing experience and skill, stating that his increasing comfort in the ring poses a threat to his opponents. Promoter Eddie Hearn announced that Whittaker will make his U.S. debut on June 27 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, which will be part of the undercard for the fight between Jaron Ennis and Xander Zayas. Hearn also hinted at a major fight for Whittaker in Birmingham later in the year, possibly a final eliminator for a world title, indicating that Whittaker is on a trajectory towards competing with the best in the light-heavyweight division.