Ben Whittaker channels Rod Tidwell in Eddie Hearn demand

If boxing fans needed a reason to smile this week, Ben Whittaker and Eddie Hearn delivered it in style. The unbeaten Midlands sensation officially joined Matchroom Boxing on a long-term deal, but they didn’t just release a standard press statement. No, they went full Hollywood.

The Viral’ Show Me The Money’ Announcement

The pair recreated the iconic “Show Me The Money” scene from Jerry Maguire, with Whittaker taking on Cuba Gooding Jr.’s Rod Tidwell and Hearn stepping into Tom Cruise‘s shoes. The back-and-forth is hilarious: Hearn even audibly cracks his voice while shouting, and Whittaker delivers the punchline perfectly—”Not show you, show me!” Fans got laughs, but they also got the message: this is serious business.

Whittaker, 28, Olympic silver medallist at the 2020 Tokyo Games, joins Matchroom to fight exclusively on DAZN. He’ll be officially unveiled at a press conference in London on Friday, October 17, with further details to follow.

World Title Ambitions and a Fresh Start

Trained by former World Champion Andy Lee, Whittaker is already highly ranked with both the IBF and WBC. “Ben Whittaker and Matchroom Boxing? It sounds very good—it’s got a nice ring to it,” he said. “I think things happen for a reason. I’m at the right stage in my career now to pick the right platform and go for the right fights. So this move just made sense.”

The London-born fighter reflects on his journey from amateur to pro. “From Olympic medals to professional wins, I’m ready for the next step. I truly feel like this is a fresh start. I can’t wait to embark on this new chapter with Matchroom. I have a great team behind me, with Andy Lee in my corner.”

Whittaker also recalled his first encounters with Hearn during training sessions in Sheffield alongside Anthony Joshua. “We always knew this time would come, and I’m very happy that this moment has finally arrived. I remember being shown around Matchroom HQ during Covid, and Eddie said then he wanted to make me a star and a champion. It didn’t quite pan out then, but we’re here now—with a better haircut and as a better version of me.”

Hearn Hails a “Generational Talent”

Even his ups and downs have shaped him. In April, Whittaker stopped Liam Cameron in the second round to bounce back from their controversial first fight, which ended in a technical draw after both men toppled over the ropes. Experience like that, he says, will carry him forward.

Eddie Hearn hailed the signing as “one of the greatest in boxing today.” “Ben Whittaker is a generational talent. This long-term deal will propel him to global superstardom, solidifying his reputation as a household name and steering him towards future World Titles. He will be No.1. He has the world at his feet, and I am beyond excited to finally be promoting this great, young man.”

‘SHOW ME THE MONEY!’ 😂pic.twitter.com/5hQvocj1PS #SHOWMETHEMONEY

— World Boxing News (@WorldBoxingNews) October 7, 2025

A New Era for British Boxing

Matchroom Boxing CEO Frank Smith called Whittaker’s addition a “game changer.” “I have no doubt that Ben will become a World Champion. And we will do everything in our power to promote him in the way he deserves—and the way the UK deserves too. He is a future legend of British boxing.”

With talent, ambition, and Matchroom’s promotional power behind him, Whittaker’s career is poised for lift-off. And thanks to a little Hollywood flair, fans already know this is one signing they’ll remember—not just for the belts he aims to win, but for the laughs along the way.

Whether you loved the spoof or not, Ben Whittaker is coming, and he’s ready to take British boxing by storm. Watch this space.

About the Author

Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.