Conor Benn’s seemingly imminent return to the ring has split opinion amongst the boxing world, given the controversy that still surrounds the 26 year old and his performance enhancing drugs’ saga.
One of the many men who has been linked to a fight with Benn has weighed in on his potential comeback, and hasn’t pulled any punches.
Former undisputed super lightweight world champion Josh Taylor told Boxing News that Benn “shouldn’t be anywhere near a boxing ring,” in an interview this week.
“A fight with Conor Benn down the line would be huge, but he shouldn’t be fighting right now – he shouldn’t be anywhere near a boxing ring, that guy.
I think it’s pretty bad for the sport. It’s a bad look, guy popping dirty twice and still getting to box. He’s basically had a slap on the wrist and is getting away with it and is now getting back to it.
I don’t think it’s a great look for the sport.”
Benn’s promoter Eddie Hearn has hinted he could return on a lower level fight on a show in America by the end of the month, with Matchroom staging an event in Orlando on September 23rd.
Following that, the stage seems to be set for ‘The Destroyer’ to finally lock horns with family rival Chris Eubank Jr, and he watched on from ringside as Eubank exacted revenge over Liam Smith in Manchester on September 2nd.
Talks are believed to be already underway for the pair to meet in a December stadium fight, though Eubank has also stated his interest in facing Gennady Golovkin and Canelo.