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 needs the “Greatest combat attainable” for his comeback.
Contemplating how shaky Benn regarded in his final two fights towards Peter Dobson and Rodolfo Orozco, it is sensible that he would need the “largest combat” he can get. Benn labored to unimpressive choices 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 optimistic for Clomifene. Nonetheless, the UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) may nonetheless attraction, which can preserve 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 combat:
Chris Eubank Jr.
Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis
Mario Barrio
Eimantas Stanionis
Benn is an effective puncher with a 60.7% KO fee, 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 looks 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 might attraction once more, which may preserve him from combating. If Benn is free to combat, Hearn and his group should make your best option attainable 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 had been towards older non-contenders Chris Algieri, Adrian Granados, and Chris Van Heerden. Benn had by no means fought any of the gifted contenders at 147, and he was nonetheless basically combating on the home stage.
“This virtually looks like we’ve obtained a brand new fighter who’s already sort of like self-made as one of many largest 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 largest 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 sort of cheapens it.
He’s actually only a prospect, however when you give him a better label, you possibly can name him a “domestic-level” fighter. Prospect is extra becoming, however he’s an older one. Benn will probably 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 a large shot within the arm for Conor Benn, for Matchroom Boxing, for DAZN, but additionally for British boxing. You discuss massive names within the sport proper now, and this younger man is correct up there. He’s coming again with anger, ferocity, and violence and is able to entertain the boxing world.
“We are able to rebuild with a giant comeback combat on the O2 and transfer right into a difficult place for a world championship at 147 kilos. We are able to leap straight right into a world title shot at 147 towards Boots, Barrios, or Stanionis. We are able to step as much as middleweight and combat Chris Eubank Jr. within the largest combat in British boxing,” mentioned Hearn
The most important combat out there for Benn is a British conflict towards middleweight contender Eubank Jr. subsequent, and Hearn has obtained to be nicely conscious of that. It will 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 likelihood of him dropping.
Benn, 28, lacks the expertise and pedigree to combat 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 optimistic twice for the banned PED Clomifene had 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 for the time being are, ‘Give me the largest combat you possibly can probably give me,’” mentioned Hearn.
