Tony Bellew has come to the defence of Conor Benn this week, after a photo of the young welterweight began circulating on social media.
It’s unclear when the photo was taken, it’s possibly be an old photo before all the drug test saga, but that didn’t stop people commenting on the seemingly change of physique for Benn and didn’t stop Bellew jumping to the young welterweight’s defence.
One twitter user posted the photo with the caption: “Looks like the lad has decided to REALLY lean down and replace speed for power.”
You mean looks like a lad who’s not training for a fight? I wish I would of looked like that when I was fighting tbh!
— Tony Bellew (@TonyBellew) December 9, 2022
Bellew, was quick to speak out in support of Benn, replying with:
“You mean looks like a lad who’s not training for a fight? I wish I would of looked like that when I was fighting tbh!”
Twitter users have thrown some criticism Bellew’s way over his relative silence on the Benn situation, mainly due the former world champion’s harsh stance on other fighters who had returned positive tests.
The boxing public awaits the latest developments in the Benn saga, after the 25 year old made the decision to relinquish his British Boxing Board of Control license ahead of a scheduled hearing this autumn.
Despite Benn’s current lack of British licensing, promoter Eddie Hearn has reiterated in recent interviews that he is keen for his charge to fight on UK shores again as soon as possible.
It remains unclear whether or not ‘The Destroyer’ will be required to serve a ban, or will prove his innocence altogether. Hearn said recently that he expects the fighter to be back in the ring soon and that people will be surprised about what comes out in the hearing.