Promoter Eddie Hearn is worked up about welterweight Conor Benn being cleared by the Nationwide Anti-Doping Panel to renew his profession. Hearn says Benn informed him he desires the “Largest struggle potential” for his comeback.
Contemplating how shaky Benn appeared in his final two fights towards Peter Dobson and Rodolfo Orozco, it is smart that he would need the “greatest struggle” he can get. Benn labored to unimpressive selections in these two fights and confirmed not one of the energy he’d beforehand had when his profession was in good condition earlier than his suspension for clomifene.
The welterweight Benn (23-0, 14 KOs) had been suspended since March 2023 for testing constructive for Clomifene. Nevertheless, the UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) may nonetheless enchantment, which can maintain the 28-year-old Benn on the shelf longer.
In an interview with Matchroom, Hearn listed these fighters as Benn’s choices for his comeback struggle:
Chris Eubank Jr.
Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis
Mario Barrio
Eimantas Stanionis
Benn is an efficient puncher with a 60.7% KO charge, however he’s by no means fought a top-rated welterweight. His knockouts have come towards lesser fighters.
“Totally cleared of any wrongdoing after a full NAPD listening to. The journey can now proceed. It seems like the start,” mentioned promoter Eddie Hearn to Matchroom Boxing, speaking about Conor Benn being cleared by the Nationwide Anti-Doping panel.
Benn nonetheless isn’t clear as a result of UKAD could enchantment once more, which may maintain him from preventing. If Benn is free to struggle, Hearn and his group should make your best option potential as a result of there’s a excessive probability he’d lose if he fights for a world title at 147 or 154. Benn’s finest wins earlier than his suspension have been towards older non-contenders Chris Algieri, Adrian Granados, and Chris Van Heerden. Benn had by no means fought any of the proficient contenders at 147, and he was nonetheless basically preventing on the home degree.
“This virtually seems like we’ve bought a brand new fighter who’s already form of like self-made as one of many greatest stars in British boxing that’s prepared, that’s poised, to assault the sport,” Hearn continued about Benn.
Hearn is taking part in quick and unfastened by saying that Benn is “one of many greatest stars in British boxing,” as he’s not overwhelmed anybody throughout his eight-year skilled profession to be labeled a “star.” If we’re going to be calling prospects like Benn a “star,” it form of cheapens it.
He’s actually only a prospect, however if you happen to give him a better label, you may name him a “domestic-level” fighter. Prospect is extra becoming, however he’s an older one. Benn will likely be turning 29 in 2025, and that’s previous for a prospect.
“We’re again in enterprise, and that is going to be an unimaginable comeback,” mentioned Hearn. “It’s an enormous shot within the arm for Conor Benn, for Matchroom Boxing, for DAZN, but additionally for British boxing. You discuss huge names within the sport proper now, and this younger man is true up there. He’s coming again with anger, ferocity, and violence and is able to entertain the boxing world.
“We will rebuild with an enormous comeback struggle on the O2 and transfer right into a difficult place for a world championship at 147 kilos. We will soar straight right into a world title shot at 147 towards Boots, Barrios, or Stanionis. We will step as much as middleweight and struggle Chris Eubank Jr. within the greatest struggle in British boxing,” mentioned Hearn
The largest struggle accessible for Benn is a British conflict towards middleweight contender Eubank Jr. subsequent, and Hearn has bought to be properly conscious of that. It might be too dangerous for Benn to problem one of many welterweight champions like Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis, Eimantas Stanionis, or Mario Barios due to the excessive chance of him dropping.
Benn, 28, lacks the expertise and pedigree to struggle for a world title, particularly along with his lengthy absence from the ring. Though Benn had fought twice since being suspended, defeating Rodolfo Orozco and Peter Dobson, they weren’t world-class fighters. Even earlier than Benn was suspended, which started in March 2023, he was only a prospect and never a real contender. Benn’s finest wins earlier than his suspension for testing constructive twice for the banned PED Clomifene have been towards 38-year-old Chris Algieri and 35-year-old Chris Van Heerden.
“Technique is now the important thing. That’s why you sit down with the group, Tony Sims, Conor, and Matchroom, and also you plot out the long run. Conor’s directions for me in the mean time are, ‘Give me the largest struggle you may probably give me,’” mentioned Hearn.
