Conor Benn is in talks to face boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, according to his promoter Eddie Hearn, who confirmed the talks to Mail Sport.
Benn has been fighting a doping case for almost two years after the banned substance clomiphene was found in his system, claiming the positive test could have been due to egg consumption.
Although his suspension was later lifted by the National Anti-Doping Panel (NADP) in July, Benn still faces a possible two-year suspension in the United Kingdom pending the outcome of appeals against that decision by the British Boxing Board of Control. (BBBofC). and UK Anti-Doping, as first reported by Mail Sport.
Meanwhile, he has fought twice in the United States with a US license, while awaiting the decision, in Florida and Las Vegas.
Now, however, he could be looking at a potentially huge fight against one of the sport’s legends: eight-weight champion Pacquiao.
Manny Pacquiao is in talks to fight Conor Benn, Eddie Hearn confirmed to Mail Sport
Hearn claimed that Pacquiao could even be a slight favorite to beat his fighter despite the age difference.
Both Benn and Pacquiao attended Saudi Arabia and were filmed facing off, before shaking hands and parting ways, with Hearn confirming the two sides were in talks about a big fight.
“We are in talks,” Hearn told Mail Sport in Saudi Arabia. ‘We are close to that fight, but we’ll see. It’s a fight we would love to take to Wembley, Pacquiao’s first fight in the UK would be incredible. We’ll have to see how his agenda suits them.
‘Manny Pacquiao is a legend, people talk about his inactivity. Yes, of course, he’s not the fighter he was, but he would beat all of Connor Ben’s opponents so far in his career, and I think he’ll even be a 50-50, maybe even a slight favorite to beat Connor Benn . .
‘I like the fight. It really came out of nowhere. It wasn’t something we were focusing on. But if it happens, we will be prepared.
‘He wants the fight. Sean Gibbons, his manager, who we know very, very well, came up to me and asked me about Connor Benn and the fight. And you know, Connor Ben is a young lion, the other one is a legend. Sometimes fights break out like that and, yeah, we’ll see.
The news that a fight was in the works has not been overwhelmingly supported by boxing fans on social media, with some pointing to the fact that Pacquiao turned 45 late last year.
Some reports suggest the fight was going to be formally announced at Thursday’s weigh-in event, only for a late change of plans to rule it out.
Pacquiao hasn’t set foot in the ring since suffering a loss at the hands of Yordenis Ugas in 2021, so there would surely be an element of ring rust if any fight were to materialize.
Both fighters attended the Knockout Chaos event weigh-in on Thursday night.
Hearn claimed the 45-year-old would still represent a formidable opponent despite his age.
Pacquiao was asked about his interest in the fight and responded: ‘Yes. I think he can put up a good fight. “It’s been a while since I’ve fought a young fighter like him and I’m excited about that.”
Hearn remained confident that Pacquiao would not be an easy fight for Benn as he looks to rebuild his status in the sport.
“You know, I know Manny’s not the fighter he was, but he’s incredibly fast and yet he’s very skilled, and he’s very, very smart, and Connor is really a young and fairly inexperienced fighter,” Hearn added.
“But he’s a fresh guy, so you have to think you’re fighting this legend of the sport and just get the job done.”