Eddie Hearn Wants to Make Conor Benn Versus Maurice Hooker
Conor “The Destroyer” Benn (20-0, 13ko) is doing a good job of fighting his way from underneath the shadow of his famous father, Nigel “Dark Destroyer” Benn. Moreover, he has been stepping up in competition towards his quest to fight for a world title. Matchroom head Eddie Hearn is now looking to put The Destroyer in the ring against former WBO junior welterweight champion Maurice “Mighty Mo” Hooker (27-2-3, 18ko).
THE JOURNEY
In 2020, Benn took on Sebastian Formella, whose only defeat at that time was against retired two-time welterweight champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter. He was hoping to score the knockout, but instead dominated the fight, winning via unanimous decision. Next, he completely ran over once highly touted contender Samuel Vargas in just one round.
At this point, team Benn knew it was time to stop putting the pinky toe in the water and jump right in by challenging tough welterweight veteran Adrian Granados. This was a good measuring stick fight considering Granados has shared the ring with former champions Shawn Porter, Danny Garcia, and Adrien Broner.
Benn viewed the fight as just another stepping stone, but he understood Granados was going to bring it.
“He is definitely a stepping stone on my way to the top, but so was [Samuel] Vargas, and [Sebastian] Formella! But, he is definitely a better test.”
Conor Benn
Benn outworked and overwhelmed Granados en route to a unanimous decision victory. Next, team Benn decided to fight former WBO junior welterweight champion Chris Algieri. He has shared the ring with former world champions like living legend Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao, Amir Khan, and current unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr.
The Destroyer lived up to his moniker by destroying Algieri with ease with a spectacular stoppage, ending the fight in the fourth round with a pulverizing right hand. The fans in the Echo Arena in Liverpool went crazy. Benn emerged as a legit superstar with that performance.
WHAT IS NEXT?
Hearn believes this is the year to start pushing towards a world championship.
“2022 is the year when I think he should challenge for a world title. Two more fights and I think he’ll be ready.”
Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Boxing CEO
Well, during an interview with iFL TV), Hearn names the potential opponent that could face Benn in April.
“We made an offer to Maurice Hooker…talks are ongoing with him, Robert Guerrero. I don’t think it will be Robert Guerrero […] I think the Maurice Hooker fight is a better fight, a tougher fight than the Guerrero fight. But, like I said, April is the target date for Conor Benn. So, we will be looking to nail that opponent by the end of the month”
Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Boxing CEO
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By: Garrisson Bland
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