LONDON – Andy Lee predicted that ‘phenomenal’ Ben Whittaker will become one of Great Britain’s best light-heavyweights ever.

Whittaker (9-0-1, 6 KOs) joined up with Dublin-based Lee in March and marked the first fight of the new relationship by crushing Liam Cameron inside two rounds of their rematch on April 20.

Now the 28-year-old Whittaker is preparing for their second outing together and his first since signing a promotional agreement with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom, which kicks off with a 10-round fight against Benjamin Gavazi (19-1, 13 KOs) on November 29.

Although he insists they are not overlooking the little-known German, Lee believes it is simply the latest step on Whittaker’s journey to British boxing immortality.

“I like the challenge of Gavazi,” Lee said at Friday’s launch press conference in central London. “He will want to come and win and he’s a spirited fighter. If he spoils the party, he will instantly become a huge name in the game. So make no mistake, we’re taking this seriously.

“But this is a step in Ben’s development and it’ll be a good win – he’ll become one of the best light heavyweights this country has ever produced.”

Should that prediction come true, Whittaker would join an illustrious list of British light heavies who made a splash on the world scene.

Although his best days took place at super middleweight, Wales’ Joe Calzaghe, arguably Britain’s greatest fighter, beat both Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones Jr in 175-pound clashes.

Before him, both John Conteh and Dennis Andries held the WBC light heavyweight title, while “Fearless” Freddie Mills became Britain’s first light heavyweight world champion of the post-war era when he beat Gus Lesnevich in 1948.

“Ben is a pleasure to train,” Lee continued. “Even though he's a showman, he’s very humble – even if people might not believe it. He’s a phenomenal talent, a pleasure to train and I’m glad we’re together.”

Whittaker and his German visitor were both present at Friday’s launch press conference ahead of the clash, which will headline at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre.

“The Surgeon” spoke only briefly, but he couldn’t resist a swipe at his former promoter, Boxxer, which has rescheduled its British heavyweight title fight between Frazer Clarke and Jeamie TKV, live on the BBC, for the same night as him.

“Everybody knows my pedigree and they know what I can do,” Whittaker said. “I’m so excited to show what I’m about. There are a couple of shows on that night apparently, but you know which one to tune into.”

On Gavazi, he added: “He’s coming to win. That’s what we want. They’re easier to beat.

“I’ll keep it short and sweet: I’m gonna slice and dice, and turn him into a German doner kebab.”