Whittaker burst into the professional ranks in July 2022 and went on to claim several highlight reel knockout victories.

His flashy style, which at times has been criticised as disrespectful to opponents, has divided opinion but he continues to deliver at each step.

Gavazi, 30, has lost just twice in 21 fights and it is the first time he has been stopped.

“We don’t want to take him to America too much, but America is crying out for Ben Whittaker,” Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn said.

World title fights are the aim for Whittaker but it remains to be seen whether they will come his way in 2026, with so much competition for places at the top of the light-heavyweight division.

Dmitry Bivol holds the WBO, IBF and WBA ‘Super’ titles with David Benavidez, who is preparing to move up to cruiserweight, the WBC champion.