Conor Benn will return to the ring on February 3 in Las Vegas against undefeated welterweight Peter Dobson.
The 26-year-old faced an extended absence from the ring following twice testing positive for a banned substance in 2022.
Despite ongoing issues with the British Boxing Board of Control, he returned to the ring in Florida this September to move 22-0 with a points win over Rodolfo Orozco.
Now, with a Chris Eubank Jr bout well and truly off the table, he sets his sights back on the 147 scene.
“Headlining in Vegas is a dream come true, not just for me, but for any fighter who grew up watching the sport of boxing. Vegas has been the stage for many legends before me, and I can’t wait to step into that arena on February 3rd against the undefeated Welterweight Peter Dobson, who stepped up to accept the challenge when many wouldn’t.
I was disappointed when my previous fight fell through, but in this sport, when one door shuts, another one opens. This setback has brought me back to where I need to be, and I’m here to put the entire 147 division on notice.
I want to thank my family, my dedicated team, my loyal friends, and fans who have supported me throughout my journey. We have an exciting 2024 ahead of us, starting with our Vegas debut, marking the beginning of our pursuit for World Welterweight championships.”
Dobson, who was previously slated to face both Caoimhin Agyarko and Pat McCormack from Eddie Hearn’s stable, warned Benn that he was ‘not his daddy’ Nigel.
“I want to thank Matchroom for keeping their word and circling back to me after a few fights fell through previously. Eddie Hearn is a standup guy. Let’s hope Conor Benn stays healthy and comes ready, but the fact is, I’ve said yes to everyone Matchroom has given me. Agyarko, McCormack, and now Benn.
Conor is coming to the US and going to get his ass whooped. He’s not his daddy. He never seen anyone like me. ‘Pistol’ Pete Dobson is about to ruin another Matchroom hype job. This time in the ring.”
He enters the ring with 16 wins from 16 fights, nine of which came inside the distance, and is yet to be scheduled for 12 rounds.
The undercard will feature an undefeated middleweight contest between Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams against Connor Coyle and the US debut of fan-favourite heavyweight Johnny Fisher.