Benn Targets Titles At 147, Benn Currently Not Allowed To Box In The UK

In today’s boxing news latest headlines, Conor Benn is targeting a world title shot at 147 moving forward. 

Benn made his return to the ring with a unanimous-decision win over Rodolfo Orozo on September 23rd, 2023 after having been prevented from fighting for over a year due to his two failed VADA tests for Clomiphene.

The fight against Orozo was at 154, but Benn is known for being a 147 fighter. And despite UKAD and the BBBofC appealing the decision, Benn is pressing ahead with his plans.

Following Terence Crawford’s win over Errol Spence Jr. to become the first undisputed welterweight champion of the four-belt era, there is an expectation that Bud will vacate and move up to 154.

However, Spence did exercise a rematch clause, with reports suggesting that Bud wants it at 147. But in the event that Crawford moves up, Benn is targeting the big fights.

According to Boxrec, Benn is ranked sixth in the welterweight rankings. And if the belts did end up being freed, Benn could find himself having a shot at the vacant title. 

Benn On His Plans

“I’m happy to go back down to 147 and capture a World title down there. There are big fights there for me. The world titles are over here. I feel welcome over here. Also I feel loved here. I feel like I have a lot of support here, and I’m overwhelmed by the love and support I’m shown here. If my next fight has got to be here at 147, then me and my trainer will come over here and capture the titles at 147. You’ve got some great fighters over here. The likes of Ennis, Spence, Crawford.  You got all these fighters over here, top level fighters. When I say,  ‘Can I come over here and fight them?’ I’ll fight them in their own back garden, no problem. I’ll be happy to take the belts back,” Benn

Benn’s Options

In reality, however, Benn has not beaten a marquee name at welterweight to have those fights. In addition, until his legal situation is cleared up, the boxer will have to pause those plans as there is still a possibility of a ban due to strict liability.

And on top of that, the most likely fight out there for Benn is against Chris Eubank Jr. at 160 pounds. Regardless of who Benn does fight, a date of December 23rd, 2023, has allegedly been earmarked for the boxer.

That could play into the narrative of a big stadium fight in the UK against Eubank Jr. provided Benn is cleared to box in the country. 

Robert Smith On Benn

As of now, the BBBofC chief, Robert Smith, has made it clear that Benn will not be allowed to box until he has undergone the appeal process.

Benn’s alleged defense appears to be on jurisdictional grounds as to whether UKAD can enforce VADA findings. And that is something that must be cleared up. 

“The only communication I’ve had is from journalists in Florida and the Florida Commission asking what the situation is. I’ve gone back and said the British Boxing Board of Control does not license him. There’s an appeal in process. Until that is dealt with, obviously, we can’t give him permission to box in this country for sure,” Smith stated 

So moving forward, there is still uncertainty over Benn’s future. Find all the latest boxing news and MMA breaking updates on boxingblitz.