Ben Whittaker Stops Rivera in Six Rounds in Brooklyn: American Debut Delivers the Statement Needed

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Ben Whittaker stopped Richard Rivera in the sixth round at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Saturday night to make a significant statement on his American debut. The Olympic silver medallist from Wolverhampton finished Rivera with a sharp combination that left the Puerto Rican unable to continue after the referee stepped in. Whittaker was measured and disciplined for the first four rounds, clearly taking time to assess Rivera's right hand which the pre-fight warnings from Gabe Rosado had flagged as a genuine threat. From the fifth round he opened up and the quality difference became obvious, ultimately finishing the fight cleanly in the sixth.

The performance will generate significant attention from the light heavyweight division's landscape. Matchroom and Eddie Hearn now have a clear template for the path to a world title shot and the August 29 Itauma-Hrgovic fight at the O2 sets the division's domestic narrative for the rest of 2026. A Whittaker world title fight before the end of the year looks achievable if the right mandatory or voluntary opportunity emerges following the Itauma-Hrgovic outcome.

The technical draw with Liam Cameron from the Riyadh card in 2024, where both men fell out of the ring, is still on the record but Saturday night's performance in front of an American audience adds a completely different chapter to Whittaker's story. He came to New York as a British prospect and left as a name the American boxing market has reason to pay attention to. Whether the Itauma fight eventually happens is the question Matchroom will be asked repeatedly this week.

Gabe Rosado Warns Ben Whittaker Ahead Of Richard Rivera Fightwww.boxing247.com