Conor Benn has a feeling better things are in store for him across the pond.
With the news that Chris Eubank Jr. will pursue a rematch with Liam Smith, the embattled British 147-pounder has insisted he has plenty of big game to hunt outside of fighters in his native England.
Benn and Eubank were originally supposed to fight last October, but the fight was cancelled amid revelations that Benn tested positive for the banned performance-enhancing substance clomifene. It was later revealed that Benn tested positive for the same substance, in a separate test earlier in the year.
The 26-year-old is currently in Los Angeles helping stablemate John Ryder prepare for his title shot against undisputed 168-pound champion Canelo Alvarez this Saturday in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Despite the Eubank fight failing to materialize once again, Benn is confident he will land a “big fight” soon. His promoter, Eddie Hearn, has stated that June 17 is the working date. Hearn has cited the Middle East and the United States as possible venues for Benn’s return. Benn cannot box in England as he is currently under provisional suspension by United Kingdom Anti-Doping and does not have a license with the British Boxing Board of Control, with whom he continues to butt heads.
“Not disappointing at all,” Benn said of the nixed fight with Eubank in an interview with Boxing News. “Listen, everything [happens] for a reason. If it’s for me it won’t pass me. There’s other fights out there to be made. There’s other big names – bigger names – that have been mentioned, so, really, I’m on the title hunt this year. That’s the plan for me. I just trust in my team to let them do what they’ve got to do and I’ll just do my part and stay ready.”
With his domestic prospects muddled, Benn figures he might have better luck trying his hand at taking over the American boxing scene. The welterweight titlists are currently Nebraska’s Terence Crawford (WBO) and Texas’ Errol Spence Jr. (WBA, WBC, IBF)
“I can fight tomorrow,” Benn continued. “We’re sorting some big fights now. There are big names. The [Manny] Pacquiaos; the Kell Brooks, but I’m looking more towards titles. I’m not coming back for—I can’t even say ‘Coming back.’ I’ve been here. Just give me whoever.
“I’ve been number one in Britain for the past two years; maybe it is me coming over here [to America] and cleaning up over here. There’s no one, domestically, for me. Whoever my team put in front of me. But I ain’t coming back for no easy fight.”