Conor Benn's TWO YEAR Legal Battle Over, But Who Will He Fight Next?

After a prolonged legal battle with the British Boxing Board of Control and the UK Anti-Doping Agency, Connor Benn has been exonerated. The interim suspension had sidelined him from the UK boxing circuit for two years. With the NADP declaring him "cleared of any wrongdoing," the focus now shifts to his next opponent. In a statement shared on his official social media platforms, Benn expresses his keen anticipation to return to the ring, referring to the past period as “Toughest fight of his life.”

Connor posted a statement on Twitter/X stating:

“I am thankful that after an incredibly challenging 2 years the National Anti-Doping Panel has today finally cleared me of any wrongdoing.

This past 24 months has unquestionably been the toughest fight of my life. A rollercoaster period within which the WBC had already decided that I was innocent and the NADP decided in the first instance that there was no case to answer and I was free to fight.

As someone who is so passionate about boxing and an advocate for clean sport, I hope now I have been cleared it can be understood why I have maintained my innocence so strongly throughout.

As a man of God I bear no ill will toward UKAD or the British Boxing Board of Control, we have a shared ambition of a clean sport and I look forward to reconciling with the Board and moving forward together.

I would like to thank my fans that have stood by me, your support has never and will never go unnoticed, and of course my friends and family, all of whom have displayed an unwavering belief in me. Only with the strength of all this support have I made it through. I would also like to thank Matchroom and Everlast as their steadfast support ensured that I could see the process through to a full conclusion.

I have stayed disciplined and focused despite the challenges faced which is a testament to my desire to be great.I’m relieved to finally close this chapter and am excited to get back in the ring to realise my ultimate potential!

Who wants it next!?”

The leading candidate for the anticipated match was Chris Eubank Jr., a bout that had been scheduled prior to his suspension by the BBBofC. Both fighters aimed to uphold their family legacies, promising to deliver a highly anticipated showdown that could potentially become one of the most significant rivalries in recent decades.

There is a possibility that the anticipated fight between Eubank and Canelo could face disruption due to circulating rumors. Eubank may encounter challenges against Canelo's established supremacy in the Super middleweight division, considering the necessity for Eubank to move up an entire weight class. Eubank's remarkable performance against Kamil Szeremeta resulted in a tense confrontation with Benn. From a strategic standpoint, a match-up between Benn and Eubank not only holds greater appeal for boxing enthusiasts but also has the potential to generate higher revenue compared to a bout with Canelo. While this assertion may appear bold and unexpected, the combination of a packed Wembley Stadium and pay-per-view sales alone could surpass the financial returns of a fight involving Canelo.

Despite the hype this fight would bring, Conor would have to go up two weight classes to 160, unless they fight at 154 Conor would be at a disadvantage in terms of weight. I think if they fought at 154, Connor’s speed and power will be too much for Eubank, but as we have seen with Eubank's previous attempt to make 157, he will no doubt perform depleted. Eubank has however shown he can overcome adversity, after being stopped against Liam Smith only to stop him after knocking him down and finishing him in the 10th.

At the end of the day, a fight with Eubank is the perfect match for Benn, who seems to have his eyes set only on this historic bout. I think a comeback fight against the best at 147 lbs like Boots Ennis or the big sharks at 140 would be too soon after such a long layoff. A fight with Barrios, Pitbull, or Josh Taylor may be the perfect option if the Eubank fight doesn’t go as planned.

Either way, Connor Benn’s return to Boxing will be a spectacle for all, he is undoubtly  

one of the most exciting fighters globally right now.

Charlie Curran