Polarising British welterweight contender Conor Benn is set to make his comeback to the ring during early 2025, ending what will likely be a one-year spell of inactivity, Yet, despite rumours that he will return to face Chris Eubank Jr., it has now been confirmed that ‘The Destroyer’ is in talks for a world title contest.
Benn and Eubank Jr. were famously expected to continue the fabled rivalry of their fathers in September 2022, before Benn tested positive for Clomifene – a banned substance that is used to boost testosterone, primarily as a female fertility drug.
Since then, Benn has been the subject of abuse from fans around the globe, who have labelled him as a ‘drug cheat’ in the time that has followed, and a fall-out with the British Boxing Board of Control even saw Benn revoke his British boxing licence.
Nevertheless, Benn has fought twice in the United States and twice underwhelmed in decision victories against Rodolfo Orozco and Peter Dobson across the pond, but has maintained his determination to return to fight in the United Kingdom.
It has now been confirmed that Benn has been cleared of any wrongdoing relating to the supposed ingestion of Clomifene and as such he is hopeful that a return to the U.K. is imminent, possibly in the long-awaited clash with Eubank Jr. – although alternate reports suggest that the pair will collide in Saudi Arabia.
Despite those whispers, Benn has now told talkSPORT that he is in talks to take on WBC welterweight world champion Marios Barrios and admitted that this could be the only fight that could sway him away from a meeting with his fierce domestic rival.
“We’re in talks with Barrios for the WBC world title and if there is anything that is going to make me pick over the Eubank fight it would be the WBC world title,”
Barrios recently appeared on the controversial Paul-Tyson card and fought to a draw against fellow Mexican Abel Ramos in one of the fights of the year. However, after witnessing the contest, Benn went on to reveal his belief that ‘El Azteca’ is tailor-made for him.
“I don’t think he looked great, he’s a great fighter, a tough Mexican fighter but I don’t think he looked great.
“I think he is built for me, he will come out firing. I feel rejuvenated and full of life.
Eubank-Benn had been touted to appear on the February 22nd card in Riyadh, assumably headlined by Daniel Dubois’ proposed second defence of the IBF heavyweight world title.
Although, any stall in negotiation between the two Brit’s could see Eubank replaced by Barrios for what would be a salivating world title contest and an acid test for the relatively unproven Benn.
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