Eddie Hearn Seeking Title Shot for Conor Benn in 2022
2021 was the year things started to come together for British welterweight Conor Benn (20-0, 13 KOs). He scored solid wins over Samuel Vargas in April, Adrian Granados in September, and Chris Algieri in December. The victories over Vargas and Algieri stand out as they ended by way of stoppage. It was an outstanding year for 25-year-old and son of former middleweight and super middleweight world champion Nigel Benn.
WHAT’S UP NEXT?
Conor Benn’s progression and hard work have paid off when it comes to the world sanctioning bodies. He’s currently ranked fifth by the WBA and IBF at 147-pounds. The goal for 2022 is to raise the bar further and work himself into a world title fight. His promoter, Eddie Hearn, said step one of that plan begins with Benn’s next fight, which he discussed during an interview with DAZN.
“He’ll be out in April, and we’re just finalizing his fight now. We’d love the Adrien Broner fight, but we’ll have to see. I like Robert Guerrero, I like Maurice Hooker. I like all these kinds of fights because they give us names with profiles, and they’re the right tests.”
WANTING BIGGER NAMES
Following the win over Algieri, Team Benn was emphatic about their desire to step up the level of competition. Broner is a three-division champ but has made more news outside the ropes with his chaotic lifestyle than anything boxing-related. He has shown no inclination he is serious about the sport. Hooker is coming off a KO loss to Vergil Ortiz Jr in March of 2021, and Guerrero is well past his prime.
STEADILY IMPROVING
That aside, the development of Conor Benn has been quite impressive. In the past, you noticed his aggression and punching power, but that he was reckless offensively and left himself open defensively. In recent outings, he is far more disciplined, patient, and technically sound. It has resulted in a more well-rounded and better fighter. Benn has improved in all facets of his game.
READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP
It’s to the point where Benn belongs with the likes of Jaron “Boots” Ennis and Vergil Ortiz Jr as one of the best young welterweights in the game. According to Hearn, Conor Benn’s time is now.
“I really believe that he’s a superstar in the making, and that’s why I’m so hellbent on getting it right. 2022 is the year when I think he should challenge for a world title. Two more fights and I think he’ll be ready.”
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By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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