- Benn had been out of the ring since April last year after his failed test
- But after being cleared to fight in Orlando, he cruised to a points victory over Orozco
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Conor Benn cruised to a unanimous points victory in his long-awaited return to boxing in Orlando on Saturday night.
Benn was out of the ring for 17 months after failing two drug tests ahead of his proposed mega-fight with Chris Eubank Jr last October.
Despite having his ban lifted in Britain by the National Anti-Doping Panel in July, the British Boxing Board of Control remains adamant that he has not yet cleared his name, and that the fighter still faces a possible ban in his home country from faces two years pending his suspension. the outcome of the appeal.
Nevertheless, Benn was free to get his career back on track in the United States, meaning promoter Eddie Hearn found room for him on DAZN’s Richardson Hitchins vs Jose Zepeda card in Orlando this weekend.
Conor Benn cruised to a unanimous decision points victory in his long-awaited return to boxing
Benn defeated little-known Mexican Rodolfo Orozco over 10 rounds in Orlando
And against little-known Mexican Rodolfo Orozco at 154 pounds – seven pounds higher than his typical welterweight limit – the 26-year-old dusted off the cobwebs before claiming a comfortable victory after 10 rounds of competition.
Benn rocked Orozco with some sharp right hands throughout the match, but he had to endure some hairy moments of his own, especially in the eighth round.
But when the final bell sounded he had done more than enough to mark his return to the sport with a victory on Saturday evening.
Two judges scored the fight 99-91 in his favor, while the other opted for a closer 96-94 verdict.
“We didn’t want to be a walk in the park,” Benn said after the win. “I needed the rounds. I’ve been out of the ring for a year and (five) months, so for me it was about getting back in and taking care of business.
“Yeah, it would have been nice to get the break. I’ve seen the openings, I’ve taken him… but he’s a real Mexican.’
Speaking about his current situation in Britain, Benn said: “Listen, it’s incredible fighting here and I’m being shown a lot of love here and I’m grateful for the American supporters.
‘But Britain is my home, so it’s only right that I fight back there – sooner rather than later.’
