Conor Benn believes he is on the brink of a world title shot and aims to showcase his heavy hands and bad intentions against Mexican veteran Adrian Granados in the first week of Matchroom Boxing’s Fight Camp in Brentwood on July 31, broadcast live worldwide on DAZN.
Under the guidance of trainer Tony Sims, Benn has been transformed from a raw but talented prospect to a legitimate title threat. While doubters will always remain, few can dispute the dramatic improvement of Benn in the last couple of years. The son of British boxing legend Nigel Benn has carved a fighting identity of his own. Whether he can translate that to similar success, only time will tell.
But the portents are promising after the 24-year-old Benn handily outpointed German fringe contender Sebastian Formella (W10) last November and blew out the battle-tested Samuel Vargas in one in April. The sturdy Granados has previously gone the distance with the likes of Shawn Porter and Adrien Porter. He has only been stopped once, by two-weight champion Danny Garcia, and should provide some measuring stick of Benn’s power at a higher level.
“I’m looking for world honours. I’m knocking on the door [of] world titles,” said Benn (18-0, 12 KOs). “For me to be headlining the first Fight Camp show, live on DAZN, is a blessing. Entertainment is what you’ll get from me. Value for money. Expect fireworks every single time I fight. I don’t care who you are, nobody wants to watch a boring fight. I’m here for a good time, not a long time.
“I’m interested to see how much further we can go. Do I believe I can win a world title? 100%. There will always be critics. There will always be naysayers. It’s impossible for them because that’s their mindset. That’s why they sit on social media projecting their faults. I don’t think anything is impossible. If I wanted to switch and do whatever it is – it could be absolutely anything – I’ll make it successful. It’s not just boxing. It’s my mindset, it’s what I do.
“I’ve had a target on my back ever since I turned pro because my dad is Nigel Benn. It’s as simple as that. ‘The Dark Destroyer’, the legend. People like to call me silver spoon, but I’ve chosen the hardest sport in the world. I don’t have to be here. I have everything to lose. I’m a winner – all round. Of course, I want the big fights. I want to be the best fighter in Britain – which I believe I am. The rankings don’t lie and I’m number one.
“We’ve seen all of the Mexicans come over around derail some of the Brits. It’s about time I set the score straight. Granados presents a different struggle. He’s saying he wants to box and all of that. Alright then mate – try me. He can prepare for King Kong, he can prepare for whoever he wants, it doesn’t bother me. Do what you’ve got to do. Do what you want. Prepare how you want. It isn’t going to make any difference come fight night. I’m up for it – more than ever. I’m hungrier now more than ever, and if he thinks I’m going to let him get in the way of me getting my world title he’s got another thing coming that’s for sure.”
Main image: Matchroom Boxing.