Conor Benn has been reinstated in the WBA rankings as number three as the investigation of his failed drug test by the British Boxing Board of Control continues.
Benn also returned to the WBC rankings last year coming in at third, after the organisation ruled his failed drugs test as unintentional.
Conor Benn Reinstated
After failing two voluntary drug tests before his scheduled bout against Chris Eubank Jr in October 2022, Benn decided to relinquish his boxing license. Since then, the welterweight contender has not fought in Britain.
Although their highly anticipated fight was shot down, hope has been restored by Kalle Sauerland, Chris Eubank Jr’s promoter, that a revisit is not off the table.
He told talkSPORT: “I think [Conor] Benn has a hearing this week but I’m not part of the Benn team. That would have a big impact on the way that fight’s seen. Although he’s just fought in Vegas, and there’s the opportunity to do it abroad.
“But right now it’s not being discussed. It’s actually quite a simple deal to put together if things go his way with his hearing, but as of right now there’s no discussions.”
The Conor Benn Saga: Potential Opponents
Last week, Eddie Hearn revealed to iFL TV that the plan is for Benn to headline a DAZN pay-per-view this year. He seemingly has four opponents in mind.
Hearn said: “One is a huge name and one of the greatest fighters of our generation. Another is a massive stadium fight. Another could be for the welterweight world title. And the other is a former two-division world champion. Conor’s going to be in a massive fight next.”
Many have speculated that the first reference is towards Manny Pacquiao. The second as Chris Eubank Jr. The third being Mario Barrios, and the fourth as Danny Garcia.
Despite going back on forth on X, a fight with Gervonta Davis seems unrealistic. ‘Tank’ is rumoured to face Frank Martin on June 15th.
Benn’s reinstation into the WBA rankings also opens up another door. He could face the number one contender Shakhram Giyasov in an eliminator match with the winner fighting Terence Crawford.
Still Undefeated
Almost a year and a half on from his last victory over Chris van Heerden, Benn made his comeback fight in Orlando against Rodolfo Orozco. The Brit won via a convincing unanimous decision and wanted to stay active.
The 27-year-old competed again just five months later against Peter Dobson. It was only his third fight overseas in his professional career. Benn secured a unanimous decision win once more over the undefeated Dobson and he now looks to take on some big names in the division.
What’s next for Conor Benn after being reinstated in the WBA rankings? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
