Conor Benn is already eyeing up a return to action following Saturday’s victory in his rematch with Chris Eubank Jr, but six-division world champion Oscar De La Hoya has suggested that he swerves one potential opponent.
‘The Destroyer’ coasted to a unanimous-decision victory against Eubank, who looked to have felt the full effects of a second strenuous weight cut in seven months, offering little obstruction to Benn’s redemption.
During the aftermath, Benn has declared his intentions of returning to the welterweight division and either challenging Mario Barrios for the WBC world title or taking on Ryan Garcia in a high-profile clash at a stadium in the United Kingdom.
However, the fight announcement between Garcia and Barrios has made both unlikely candidates to be Benn’s next dance partner, unless ‘The Destroyer’ opts to wait until next summer to return to the ring.
With Benn seemingly forced to look elsewhere, the Brit may choose to take note of De La Hoya’s advice of steering clear of a scrap with undefeated Texan Vergil Ortiz Jr, whom he promotes.
“Congratulations Benn, don’t you dare call out @VergilOrtiz.”
Ortiz holds the WBC Interim super-welterweight world title and has been linked to a showdown with fellow 154lb contender Jaron Ennis in recent weeks, but as of yet the bout hasn’t been finalised.
Meanwhile, IBF welterweight world champion Lewis Crocker continues to call for a battle with ‘The Destroyer’ – an opportunity which represents the only route to an immediate title shot for the latter, ahead of his return to the 147lb division.
