Conor Benn has been re-instated into the WBA rankings and handed a lofty ranking with the organisation, as the Brit’s first UK-showdown in nearly two years could be imminent.
Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn claims that a verdict on Benn’s professional boxing licence will soon be reached, with the BBBofC addressing the appeal that was made against their decision to ban him from fighting on home soil.
Now, Benn has been ranked at number three with the WBA, giving him an opportunity work his way up to a mandatory position for a world title challenge, with pound-for-pound star Terence Crawford currently gatekeeping the jewellery at 147 lbs.
Since failing two VADA tests ahead of his highly anticipated catch-weight clash against Chris Eubank Jr, Benn has been at loggerheads with the BBBofC.
The fight – which was set to take place in October 2022 – was eventually scuppered, and the 27-year-old’s licence to box professionally in the UK was subsequently suspended.
Then, following a near 18-month hiatus, Benn returned to the ring in September last year, taking on Mexican super welterweight Rodolfo Orozco in Orlando, Florida.
With a ten-round unanimous decision win under his belt, the Essex boxer earnt himself another convincing victory last time out, outpointing previously unbeaten American Peter Dobson over 12 rounds earlier last month in Las Vegas.
Hoping for a UK return, Benn is now on the hunt for a potential dance partner to headline a pay-per-view card on DAZN, with the possibility of revisiting the Eubank Jr fight not being ruled out.
But, should he wish to put himself in line for a world title shot, there is a good chance that, eventually, Benn may have to face the WBA number one welterweight Shakhram Giyasov, in a final eliminator for Crawford’s belt.