Conor Benn to make shock return to boxing this weekend with opponent confirmed
Conor Benn will return to the ring this weekend to take on Rodolfo Orozco in Orlando, Florida.
The 26-year-old has not fought since April last year after testing positive for banned substance clomifene which scuppered his October grudge match with Chris Eubank Jr.
Benn, who has denied intentionally doping throughout the saga, was provisionally suspended by UKAD [UK Ant-Doping] in March. That suspension was lifted by the National Ant-Doping panel in July with UKAD and the British Boxing Board of Control appealing that decision.
The welterweight does not currently have a licence to fight in the UK, making his return on US soil on Saturday against Orozco on a Matchroom card headlined by Richardson Hitchins vs Jose Zepeda.
Benn has campaigned at welterweight throughout his career but suggests he is also now ready to challenge at light-middleweight and middleweight in pursuit of world title gold.
‘I am undefeated in the ring, and in spirit,’ Benn said.
‘A return on Saturday is a step closer to redemption. After that, I’m putting the 147-160 divisions on notice. You are looking at a determined man with a deep desire to beat them all.’
His promoter Eddie Hearn said: ‘Conor Benn is back and I’m looking forward to seeing him pick up where he left off.
‘He’s ready to go straight in for a big fight now but his trainer Tony Sims will be pleased to get him back sooner against a game opponent in Rodolfo Orozco.
‘Conor is looking unbelievable in the gym and I cannot wait to see him back in the ring where he belongs on what is a fantastic fight card in Florida.’
Benn is undefeated in 21 professional fights, rising up the welterweight ranks with a string of explosive wins in 2021 and 2022, the most recent a devastating second round knockout of Chris van Heerden in April last year.
He hopes to revive his ill-fated match with Eubank Jr, which was called off days before the opening bell last October. Former welterweight champion Kell Brook has also expressed interest in coming out of retirement for a fight.
Benn’s opponent this weekend, 24-year-old Orozco, has won 32 of his 39 professional bouts.
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