Promoter Eddie Hearn detailed the strategic operational timeline for Whittaker following the New York event, outlining a clear path toward the elite tier of the division.
"Against those guys, probably another three fights.
They are the elite of the elite, and when you fight them, you've got to be ready," said Hearn.
Hearn planned for Whittaker to transition quickly from his American debut to a major domestic headlining event later in the year.
"So we've got Saturday night, and Whittaker will headline in October against a big domestic name, and then one more, and then he'll be ready for anybody in the division," said Hearn.
Shifting focus to the main event of the evening, Hearn expressed expectations for Jaron Ennis to secure a decisive victory over Zayas to facilitate super-welterweight unification bouts.
"If he wins this fight on Saturday and becomes unified world champion, there are two other belt holders, Josh Kelly and Sebastian Fundora," said Hearn.
The promoter indicated that Ennis intends to target the remaining title holders to establish dominance in the weight class.
"He'll want to chase those fights," said Hearn.
Hearn concluded by detailing the long-term divisional ascension planned for Ennis across multiple weight limits.
"He'll [Ennis] try and be undisputed. Then he'll move to 160 [lbs].
Then I think he'll move to 168[lbs]. So, yeah, I'm really excited to see him triumph," said Hearn.
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The event at the Barclays Center will proceed with the undercard bouts leading into the unified title main event.
