Conor Benn is still without an opponent for his ring return, but he has ruled out one domestic rival.
The 26-year-old has been out of the ring since April of 2022. He was set to face Chris Eubank Jr in October, but that was kiboshed amidst news of two failed doping tests in one of the biggest scandals British boxing has seen for some time.
Now with a clear plan to fight overseas as he is provisionally suspended by the British Board, Benn is on the hunt for a dance partner.
Asked by IFL TV if a fight with Josh Kelly – who has been vocal about the drugs tests – has potential, Benn was clear that it did not.
“Zero chance. Zero percent. I have no interest in that fight whatsoever. You don’t go from mentioning the names that have been mentioned to then mention Josh Kelly.”
“Maybe get a few wins under his belt, get the hype train back on him. He’s a good fighter, but when you’re talking Pacquiao, or former world champions, or Thurman final eliminator, or Eubank Jr – it’s just different.”
“For me it’s about getting a world title and being in mega fights.”
Benn’s ring return looked nailed on for June 3, but subsequent interventions by the British Boxing Board of Control seem to have played a part in pushing the date back.
With Chris Eubank Jr now rematching Liam Smith, and Manny Pacquiao recently revealing that any upcoming time in the ring would be an exhibition, it looks like an American opponent is likely.
As for Kelly, three wins at super welterweight have led him to becoming British champion. If the Benn fight is unlikely, there are plenty of names out there for a continued rise up the ranks.