Conor Benn has been advised by his father to forget the likes of Abu Dhabi and Dubai in favour of fighting in Britain.
The young, undefeated welterweight hasn’t laced up for a bout since April of 2022 due to two failed doping tests.
Whilst not officially serving a ban, Benn has been in limbo since the British Boxing Board of Control made it clear that he must go through a formal investigation should he want to regain a license here.
Despite brief flirtations with an overseas ring return and ‘no plans’ to fight in the UK in the near future, the 26-year-old has now cooperated with the Board and the UK Anti-Doping Agency in the hopes of competing on home turf.
Benn senior spoke to Pro Boxing Fans, revealing that opinions on social media following the scandal breaking had left his son feeling down and unsupported by British boxing fans.
It was attending an Anthony Joshua fight card that made him see differently.
“It was really affecting him thinking all these people don’t like him. It was minute from social media. Then he went to the Anthony Joshua and fight and said ‘Dad, I could not believe it man. The reception I got, taking pictures…’
And it elevated him to say don’t listen to the minority. People love you because you’re a good fighter, and you’re an honest fighter.”
Nigel – who himself enjoyed plenty of praise from the British public and is now held as domestic legend of the sport – believes that Conor must fight in the UK to harness his hometown fanbase.
“In my opinion, you don’t need to fight in Abu Dhabi. You don’t need to fight in Dubai. You need to fight here at home, with all your British fans behind you.”
Benn is currently provisionally suspended and awaiting a formal hearing with UKAD to determine how his career proceeds following the positive tests for Clomiphene and the subsequent information he has gathered in an attempt to clear his name.
Should he be allowed to fight on, there are plenty of opponents in waiting.