Conor Benn is assessing his options for his ring return and has now ruled out one man he was formerly keen on.
Benn is fresh off a 12-round war with generational rival Chris Eubank Jr at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium that had been almost three years in the making.
He came out on the wrong side of a points decision after Eubank’s natural size began to show as the fight went on, delivering excellent output and tiring his man in the closing rounds. Despite the loss, Benn’s stock rose.
Now, the 28-year-old is is thinking about his next move as talks continue for the contracted rematch. Speaking on DAZN last week, he had declared himself keen on a fight with American star Ryan Garcia.
“If it’s not Eubank next, I’ll have Garcia next. I’ll drop back down to 147 and go straight back in. At 147 is where I’m most dangerous. That’s where you see the clinical knockouts.”
However, speaking to iFL TV in New York after Garcia’s upset points loss to Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero – his debut at welterweight – Benn was asked what he made of Garcia’s showing.
“That was a very disappointing performance. That was terrible.”
He was then asked if he still wanted a fight with Garcia.
“Nah. Definitely not. Not interested.”
Benn then said that he now believes the rematch to be ‘locked in’ for September, though Eubank’s side have stated they may seek to renegotiate some terms, particularly the well-publicised rehydration clause.
As for Garcia, where he goes next is unclear. The loss has dampened plans of a rematch with Devin Haney later this year, and he may find himself instead running it back with ‘Rolly’ instead.
