What’s Next For Conor Benn?

Conor Benn suffered a unanimous decision defeat to Chris Eubank Jr., raising question marks over his next steps. 

Benn tasted the first defeat of his career as Eubank came out with a thrilling win. While Benn came up short, he showed a lot of heart to last the distance in a fight where he was moving up from 154 pounds to 160. But the result raises question marks over where he goes next. Benn has said that he wants to put that result right, meaning he could take the immediate rematch.

The problem facing Benn is that Eubank may not want to do it on the same terms. He took the fight at 160 pounds, with a 10-pound rehydration clause. Eubank failed to make weight, while the rehydration clause was criticized due to safety concerns. Eubank may simply call for a flat 160-pound fight with no rehydration clause, putting Benn at a disadvantage. 

Options

Alternatively, Eddie Hearn has also said that he would like to see Benn move back down to 147 to fight for a world title. That could open up a fight with the WBC Welterweight Champion Mario Barrios. Barrios has already suffered two defeats in his career, coming up short against Gervonta Davis and Keith Thurman. Benn may fancy his chances of coming out on top, which could then set up a unification fight with Jaron Ennis later down the line.

Equally, Benn has the opportunity to face other big names. He could target the likes of Devin Haney, who will have his first fight at 147 against Jose Ramirez in May. Meanwhile, Ryan Garcia also fights at 147 for the first time against Rolando Romero. Benn has been in verbal confrontations with the pair on social media, meaning there is enough of a narrative to make those fights.

Benn Reacts

Benn could also target a fight with another Eubank in the form of Harlem Eubank. Harlem is not the biggest name, but the family name carries a lot of weight giving Benn an opportunity to get redemption. Chris Eubank Sr. defeated Nigel Benn on two occasions, meaning that the Benn family did not secure a victory. While it would not take away the loss from Eubank Jr., it is still a big fight later down the line. Either way, Benn was devastated at the loss, as he has a lot of soul searching to do.

“It’s a hard one to swallow. I didn’t come into the fight thinking it would be that close. I didn’t come in the fight to lose. Obviously I weren’t good enough and I need to do better. It hurts me. No one likes to lose. Close fight, not close fight, you’ve got to be harsh on yourself and I look at myself and say this ain’t good enough for me. I want to win man. I don’t work hard to lose.

“I give everything I had. I just need to do better. Do you know what’s hard is it was so close. That’s what’s hard and I just didn’t get the knockdown. That’s what’s painful. If it was as close as people saying it is, that’s what’s painful. I weren’t outclassed. I wasn’t hurt in there. I just couldn’t get the finish,” Benn stated

Full Card

Chris Eubank Jr. def. Conor Benn via unanimous decision (116-112 x3) (live blog) | Highlights

Anthony Yarde def. Lyndon Arthur via unanimous decision (115-113, 116-112 x2)

Aaron McKenna def. Liam Smith via unanimous decision (119-108, 117-109, 118-108)

Viddal Riley def. Cheavon Clarke via unanimous decision (116-112, 117-111, 115-113)

Chris Billam-Smith def. Brandon Glanton via unanimous decision (116-113, 116-112 x2)