Smith injury scrubs WBO interim title fight, Whittaker faces Suarez in new Liverpool main event
Callum Smith’s injury has cancelled his WBO interim title fight with David Morrell, stripping the April 18 Liverpool card of its main event stakes. Ben Whittaker now headlines against Braian Suarez with his ranking position tied to the result.
Whittaker (10-0-1, 7 KOs) steps into the headline slot for the third time, facing Suarez, who brings 20 knockouts from 21 wins and has previous experience at this level after facing Lyndon Arthur.
The adjustment keeps Whittaker active and maintains his ranking position. He is currently No.3 with the WBC and No.5 with the IBF, with a U.S. appearance still in line.
“Naturally, it is a massive blow to lose a mega fight so close to the event and we wish Callum a speedy recovery,” Eddie Hearn said.
“But the show goes on – and it remains an unmissable night of boxing, headlined by arguably one of the greatest showmen in the sport today in Ben Whittaker.”
Whittaker confirmed the short-notice move fits his plan.
“I’m really looking forward to headlining in Liverpool. I know everyone was expecting me to be fighting next in America – and that’s still very much the plan. I need to win this and we’ll be making a big announcement on that soon.”
The undercard remains in place. Molly McCann returns in her home city against Ashleigh Johnson, Joe McGrail meets Aaron Hayden for the Central Area title, and Leo Atang continues his early run at heavyweight.
The structure changes at the top, but the event stays intact, with Whittaker now carrying the main event and his ranking position tied to the result.