Even though he has his next fight locked in, British star Conor Benn could potentially get a world title shot if he comes through unscathed.
‘The Destroyer’ has yet to contest a world title but continues to draw major attention after his recent high-profile clash with Chris Eubank Jr. The generational rivals finally met in April at 160lbs following more than two years of build-up.
Despite Benn’s aggression throughout the contest, it was the naturally bigger and more experienced Eubank who controlled the later rounds to secure a unanimous decision after a gruelling 12-round battle that left both men hospitalised.
The pair are now set to meet again in November at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium under the same conditions. Benn will once again compete at middleweight, while Eubank will face a strict rehydration clause limiting him to no more than 10lbs gained after the weigh-in, which remains a huge factor that could again shape the outcome of the contest.
Should Benn avenge that loss, or even if he doesn’t, he has made it clear he will drop back down to welterweight and now could be in line for a world title opportunity against newly crowned IBF welterweight champion Lewis Crocker, who expressed keen interest in the matchup.
Speaking to BBC Sport Northern Ireland, the Belfast fighter said he would be more than up for facing Benn.
“I’ll fight Conor Benn anywhere. It’s a huge domestic fight. He’s a big name, and now I’m world champion, I’ve got that bargaining chip.”
Crocker – who has been branded as one of the top three welterweight punchers in the world by trainer Billy Nelson – secured his belt last time out with a points victory over rival Paddy Donovan, scoring two early knockdowns. The fight was a rematch after Donovan hit Crocker after the bell in their first meeting after being ahead on the cards.
The Belfast man now joins Mario Barrios, Rolando Romero and Brian Norman Jr as one of the division’s four titleholders.
