Benn’s Weighty Decision: Welterweight Return?

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Conor Benn’s redemption took a hit. Chris Eubank Jr. proved too much. Benn, 28, moved up to middleweight. He fought bravely against Eubank Jr., his rival for three years.

Benn landed some good shots during the 12-round fight. However, he couldn’t deliver a knockout punch. The fight took place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The performance boosted Benn’s reputation with fans. He’s not quite “the people’s champion,” according to promoter Eddie Hearn. Yet, Benn regained respect in North London.

“Yeah, it’s a hard one to swallow,” Benn said. He spoke to reporters about his loss. He admitted that 14 months out of the ring may have cost him. He said he needed the killer instinct to finish Eubank Jr.

Benn failed two drug tests before the original 2022 fight. His suspension lifted in November.

A rematch is possible later this year. Benn may seek other opportunities.

World Title Opportunities at Welterweight

Benn has mostly fought at welterweight (147lbs). He made progress toward a world title before focusing on Eubank Jr. He fought twice at 154lbs.

Benn discussed fighting Mario Barrios for the WBC title. This came up in the post-fight press conference. Hearn mentioned a fight with Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis. Ennis holds the IBF and WBA belts.

Benn could return to welterweight. He has been destructive at that weight. This move would offer realistic title chances. Before Eubank Jr. and the drug scandal, Benn was an exciting fighter.

“I don’t want to see him [Benn] in too many fights like that [at middleweight],” Hearn warned. “They’re the kind of fights that will shorten your career, and he has such a long career ahead of him.”

Family Revenge Temptation

Benn may want to avenge Saturday’s defeat. Family pride is at stake, recalling the fathers’ battles 30 years ago. Fighting Eubank Jr. again might seem a duty.

The rematch clause makes it an easy and profitable choice.

“Yeah, I want the revenge man. I want my revenge,” Benn stated.

“All the fighting talk is fighting talk, he’s a good fighter. I believe I can fight at 160. If we don’t do the rematch, which I’d love to avenge that loss, go back down to welterweight and win the WBC world title.”

“It’s either Mario Barrios or the rematch with Eubank. Whichever happens next I’ll be content with.”

Problems for Benn?

Moving between weight divisions can be tough. Amir Khan and George Groves think Benn isn’t as strong at 147lbs.

Khan moved up to fight Canelo Alvarez at middleweight in 2016. After the knockout, Khan struggled back at 147lbs.

“Sometimes I think it is a really bad idea when you move up in weight and put all of that weight on because when you go back down again, you can never be the same strong, explosive fighter as you are thinking about looking muscle and making weight,” Khan told Metro. “He will put so much muscle on that when he goes back down in weight, he will find it harder.”

Groves added: “Before the fight was made, I thought he was making fantastic progress and improving. When they made this fight with Eubank, I thought, that’s the end of Conor Benn, as such. He’s not going to be a force at welterweight if he’s moving up to middleweight, he’s not going to be able to drop back down successfully.”

Benn, his father Nigel, trainer Tony Sims, and Hearn will discuss the next steps. Despite his first loss, Benn has promising options.