Ben Whittaker believes that he is ideally placed to launch an attack on the higher reaches of the light heavyweight division.

Whittaker (9-0-1, 6 KOs) has earned praise and attracted scorn during an eventful three years as a professional but, over the past six months, there has been the definite feeling that the 2020 Olympic silver medallist has realised that his raw ability needs to be supported by solid foundations.

Firstly, the 28-year-old from Birmingham decided to switch his training operations to Dublin and join Andy Lee's burgeoning stable.

Lee’s relaxed, common sense approach seems to have struck a chord and, last April, the former WBO middleweight champion drew an efficient, business-like performance out of Whittaker as he blew away Liam Cameron inside two rounds of their rematch, bringing a conclusive end to their unlikely rivalry.

That performance helped turn some doubters back into believers ands after the expiration of his promotional deal with Boxxer, Whittaker decided that the best way to capitalise on the momentum was to sign a long-term deal with Matchroom Boxing.

Whittaker hasn’t had the smooth ride that lots of talented amateurs do but believes the various trials and tribulations have prepared him perfectly for what is to come.

“I've only had 10 but I've learned a lot and the good thing is I've had a lot of ups and downs in those 10 fights. I think that little bit of experience I've got from those will take me far in my career,” Whittaker said on Matchroom’s Flash Knockdown show.

“In the amateurs, I did everything. World medals, European medals, Olympic medals, but nothing is like the pro game. I think I'm ready for it.

“I think activity is key. I need to just stay in the ring. That's when you learn. and that's when you put the performances on. So for me, an active year and hopefully a great year for me.”

Whittaker’s profile and flashy highlight reel mean that casual fans tend to assume he is further along in his career than he actually is and there will quickly be a demand to see him matched with tough opposition.

Matchroom haven’t signed Whittaker with the intention of immediately pitching him into a high risk, make-or-break test. He will be built, matched and developed to the point that if and when a world title chance does arrive, he will be ready to not only take it but to stay at that level for a long time.

Whittaker believes he is already at that point but has fully bought into the plan Matchroom have for him and is putting his faith in his new team to guide him into position.

“Truthfully, if you ask me, if you ask Andy what I've been doing in the gym, we're ready now,” he said. “The pro boxing is a business. So for me, it's do what I'm supposed to do in the gym. Eddie, my manager [Freddie Cunningham], Frank [Smith], they can sort it out and here we are.”