Ben wins belt - and loses one - on same night after cruel burglary

TOP boxing promoter Eddie Hearn stood in the middle of the ring in Hall 12 of the NEC on Saturday night and announced that this country and this region has a new superstar Darlaston's Ben Whittaker.

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Ben Whittaker (also inset) after knocking out Benjamin Gavazi in Birmingham on Saturday

And that big nights would be ahead with Ben in these parts. I hope so. I was ringside and really enjoyed the whole night. Great atmosphere.

Having spent a lifetime covering boxing, I am fully aware that some promoters would persuade turkeys that Christmas is good for them.

But Matchroom boss Hearn is right the 28-year-old Olympic silver medallist backed up this claim with a first-round knockout win on his debut for his new promoter.

The unbeaten light heavyweight added the WBC silver title to his IBF version (they are not full world titles) with a stunning quick performance against the German Benjamin Gavazi from the Rhineland, who had only lost once with 13 knockouts from his 19 wins.

This was only unbeaten Whittaker's 10th professional fight having previously won eight with knockouts and drawn one.

Hearn also said that the Midlands and these Birmingham arenas has been waiting a long time for a boxing superstar.