The British boxing star will be looking to level the series next month against Chris Eubank Jr, but has been handed a blow just weeks before the fight
Conor Benn has suffered a rankings blow ahead of his rematch with Chris Eubank Jr, as the Brit has been removed entirely from the IBF’s super-welterweight standings.
Eubank Jr and Benn will lock horns yet again when they go head-to-head for a second time on November 15 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Benn is out for revenge having suffered a points defeat to his rival in their initial encounter in north London back in April.
The two combatants were contracted to an immediate rematch which was initially set for September 20. However, Eubank Jr insisted he would not be ready – plunging the sequel into doubt. Eventually, the pair were able to strike a deal for the sequel take place later this year.
With just a few weeks to go until his mouthwatering middleweight showdown with Eubank Jr, Benn has dropped out of the IBF’s super-welterweight rankings. The 29-year-old previously held the number seven position, but has not fought at 154lb since his victory over Peter Dobson back in February 2024.
A former welterweight, Benn has not fought at 147lb since 2022. Therefore, the British boxer’s future home could be at 154lb after his rematch with Eubank Jr. The ‘Destroyer’ is expected to move back down after the sequel with his long-time foe, and he has already been offered a potential world title fight.
WBA super-welterweight world champion Abass Baraou has offered the Brit a shot at his coveted gold prize. “Conor Benn is around 154lbs. He’s a big name in the UK, I’d love to fight in the UK. The fans are amazing. Coming in the UK, having a big fight like that, why not? I’m ready for it,” Baraou told Sky Sports.
The 30-year-old added: “Here in the UK, having a show like that is one of the dreams. He’s a great fighter, he’s explosive. Fights with a lot of emotions. I know obviously my skill and I see myself dominating him and teaching him a little bit of something.”
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Before any talk of Baraou, Benn must first get through Eubank Jr. Despite sharing 12 rounds his rival, the Brit has not changed his feelings for his long-time adversary. Benn, speaking to Reece Mennie on his podcast, said: “It was dangerous for both, it just depends on who’s side of the fence you’re sitting on. The only thing that affected him was the rehydration, but his team said that he can’t put on more than 10lbs, so 10lbs was the limit. I’m a 147lb fighter, you can see I’m not a 160lb fighter, and I weighed in at 157lbs and I was underweight!
“But we both took a risk in fighting at a different weight, I took a risk in fighting a bigger guy, so let’s find a common ground, but there are pros and cons to us being at that weight, it all just depends on who does it better. And he didn’t do it better, because he’s unprofessional and he cost me £500,000. I still think he’s an idiot. I will always think he’s an idiot!”
When is the next boxing fight?
Kieron Conway will take on George Liddard on Friday, October 17 at York Hall, Bethnal Green. The main undercard is set to get underway at around 7pm UK time (11am ET / 8am PT / 10am CT). In the main event, Liddard will make the walk to the ring first at around 10pm UK time (5pm ET / 2pm PT / 4pm CT) with Conway set to follow immediately after.
The timings of all fights are subject to change and will depend on how long the undercard takes to complete. All of the action is set to be shown live on DAZN. The popular streaming platform can be found as an additional subscription on TVs. It can also be streamed live on the official website or the downloadable app. A DAZN subscription is £119.99 or £14.99 per month, or £24.99 on a flexible commitment that can be cancelled at any point.