Conor Benn has his eyes on a number-one ranked contender in the welterweight division.
The undefeated 26-year-old has been out of the ring since April of 2022, with a fight that October cancelled due to two positive doping tests.
Whilst his name has still not been cleared in the eyes of many – particularly the British board – he’s looking to fight as soon as possible. One man being mentioned is Keith Thurman – a former WBA and WBC 147lb champion.
The 34-year-old has fallen short just once in his career – a split decision in favour of Manny Pacquiao – and was last out in February 2022 against Mario Barrios.
Speaking to Boxing Social, Benn said he would take the Thurman fight in a heartbeat.
“Last time we tried to make the fight Keith Thurman said he didn’t know who I was. Which is beyond me because everyone in the welterweight division knows who I am.”
“Let’s make the fight – why not? He was meant to fighting Spence, Spence is showing no interest. If he wants to fight, I’m here to fight. I’ll fight him tomorrow.”
Thurman is number one in the WBC’s welterweight rankings – Benn is sixth – meaning he’d be perhaps the best opponent out there for the Brit if he’s serious about winning titles in the division.
Whilst the likes of Chris Eubank Jr and Manny Pacquiao are money-spinners, they do little for his contendership.
Promoter Eddie Hearn has mentioned an American is in the mix for Benn’s return fight, and, although Thurman is enlisted to fight Errol Spence Jr for the title, reinvigorated talks with Terence Crawford for an undisputed clash have made that unlikely.
Despite a provisional suspension from UKAD and the BBBofC with a hearing coming up, Benn is still expected to pursue a fight overseas towards the end of summer.