AFTER a turbulent time in his career, Conor Benn is now looking forward to a 2025, which could see him pick up his first world title.
The 28-year-old has been out of the ring since beating Peter Dobson wide on points in Las Vegas 11 months ago. Benn’s future in the sport had been in doubt, having failed two drug tests in October 2023, which threw a dark cloud over his future.
In November, Benn’s provisional suspension was lifted by the National Anti-Doping Panel (NADP). Anti-doping organisation UKAD, along with the British Boxing Board of Control, chose not to appeal the decision.
With Benn, 23-0 (14 KOs), now free to fight the speculation, it turns to who will be in the opposite corner of the Londoner when he returns. Benn’s trainer, Tony Sims, says the options are to challenge WBC Welterweight champion Mario Barrios, 29-2-1 (18 KOs), or square off in a domestic grudge match against Chris Eubank Jr, 34-3 (25 KOs), which would earn him more money.
“There’s still negotiations going on with the Eubank fight, the Barrios fight’s on the table as well. He’s in a good position,” Sims told Boxing News.
“Conor wants to emulate his dad of becoming a WBC champion and that’s always been a dream of his. On the other hand, the Eubank fight can set him up for life.
“He’ll definitely be fighting the end of March or April in one of them fights. Hopefully one of these fights will get over the line within the next week or two.”
