What became of the Team GB boxing class of 2020 as Ben Whittaker & Frazer Clarke headline key shows this weekend

On Saturday night, two members of Team GB’s Tokyo 2020 Olympic boxing squad return to centre stage, headlining separate shows in Birmingham and Derby.

Ben Whittaker and Frazer Clarke are at different points in their professional journeys, but both face critical examinations if they are to push on towards the global stage they believe they belong on.

Whittaker, bitterly disappointed with silver in the 81kg light-heavyweight division, turned pro amid huge fanfare in 2022 as Ben Shalom’s BOXXER edged out Matchroom for his signature.

That momentum has since stalled. A reset is now underway, with Whittaker joining Eddie Hearn and relaunching as “Whittaker 2.0” against Germany’s Benjamin Gavazi.

Clarke, the hulking super-heavyweight bronze medallist, has experienced both promise and frustration in a stop–start professional run.

A British title win over Jeamie TKV would steady the ship, bolster confidence, and open a clearer path to more significant opportunities in 2026.

This weekend, both men carry expectation - but also a degree of hope. Hope that the class of 2020 can still make meaningful inroads at elite level.

So what became of the squad that brought home six medals - double the tally from Rio 2016 - and delivered Team GB’s most successful Olympic boxing haul since Antwerp 1920?

Find out below...

The Full Tokyo Eleven – Then and Now

Caroline Dubois (Lightweight, 60kg)

Caroline Dubois has been a revelation since turning pro in 2022.

Working with Shane McGuigan, the pair have formed a formidable partnership.

Ferocious, disciplined and technically sharp, Dubois was elevated from WBC interim champion to full world champion when Katie Taylor vacated the belt.

More world honours look likely, but she has not boxed since March 2025 - something her promoter Boxxer must address heading into 2026.

Lauren Price (Middleweight, 75kg - Gold Medal)

Lauren Price has made boxing look easy.

With former Team GB coach Robert McCracken guiding her, she has looked almost untouchable.

Last year she announced herself as a major force, and in March she unified further welterweight titles.

As with Dubois, activity is now the key discussion point. A super-fight with Mikaela Mayer - the remaining 147lbs champion - is the matchup fans want next.

Karriss Artingstall (Featherweight, 57kg - Bronze Medal)

A fierce competitor and perfectionist, Karriss Artingstall’s Tokyo bronze still nags at her.

She has only boxed once this year, but made that outing count with an impressive victory over Raven Chapman to claim the British title.

A world-title push should be the priority for 2026.

Charley Davison (Flyweight, 51kg)

After seven years out of the sport to start a family, Charley Davison returned in 2018 and qualified for both the 2020 and 2024 Olympics, though medals eluded her.

Now 31, she insists she will not retire until she brings home an Olympic medal and is targeting Los Angeles 2028.

Galal Yafai (Flyweight, 52kg - Gold Medal)

Galal Yafai justified huge expectations by winning gold in his second Games.

His early professional career with Matchroom matched that momentum, particularly his emphatic win over Sunny Edwards in 2024.

That set up a clash with Francisco Rodríguez, who edged a brutal encounter before later failing a drug test.

Although the result stood, the WBC reinstated Yafai as interim champion. A world-title shot against WBC flyweight champion Ricardo Sandoval now appears likely in 2026.

Peter McGrail (Featherweight, 57kg)

The “Scouse Lomachenko” suffered a shock early exit in Tokyo but remains highly regarded.

Now campaigning at super-bantamweight with Matchroom, Peter McGrail's progress was slowed by a surprise loss to Ja’Rico O’Quinn two years ago, yet he remains on course for major opportunities.

Winning the European title against Shabaz Masoud on December 6 is crucial if McGrail is to fulfil his considerable potential.

Luke McCormack (Lightweight, 63kg)

Defeat to the outstanding Cuban Andy Cruz in Tokyo’s last 16 was no disgrace.

Luke McCormack has the tools for the pros but has struggled for momentum. Four fights since turning over in March 2024, with none since May, is far from ideal.

Increased activity is essential if he is to progress.

Pat McCormack (Welterweight, 69kg - Silver Medal)

Pat McCormack's silver medal run ended against Cuban maestro Roniel Iglesias, but the older McCormack twin has started to generate the momentum his brother needs.

Now trained by Ben Davison, he looks composed on both the front and back foot.

Victory over Conah Walker on December 6 could position him for a breakthrough 2026.

Ben Whittaker (Light-heavyweight, 81kg - Silver Medal)

Now under the Matchroom umbrella, Ben Whittaker has the style, charisma, and polarising personality to put bums on seats — but he is still some distance from the top tier at 175lbs.

Smart matchmaking will be essential to his progress over the next 12 months.

His rebuild begins on Saturday against Benjamin Gavazi. For “The Surgeon”, this is the moment to cut away doubts and restart his ascent.

Cheavon Clarke (Heavyweight, 91kg)

Cheavon Clarke made an explosive start as a cruiserweight, blitzing his first nine opponents before a thriller with Efetobor Apochi stalled his progress.

Consecutive defeats to Leonardo Mosquea and Viddal Riley have exposed vulnerabilities, and his ceiling may already be taking shape.

Next year feels like a make-or-break stretch.

Frazer Clarke (Super-heavyweight, 91kg+ - Bronze Medal)

Frazer Clarke’s amateur career peaked with Tokyo bronze, and as a pro he has already taken part in one of the great modern British title fights - his first battle with Fabio Wardley.

The rematch, however, was a punishing loss!

A win over Jeamie TKV would secure the Lonsdale Belt and potentially springboard him towards European contention in 2026.

Opportunity knocks for Ben Whittaker & Frazer Clarke on Saturday night

Whittaker and Clarke have the chance on Saturday to remind fans what the class of 2020 can still become and to show that Olympic pedigree retains its weight in the professional game.

Victory keeps their ambitions alive; defeat would underline the unforgiving reality that amateur greatness does not always translate to professional success.

For now, the journey continues for Team GB’s Tokyo 2020 boxing squad - and this weekend may offer the clearest indication yet of where it’s heading next.