via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NV – MAY 03: Amir Khan celebrates his unanimous-decision victory over Luis Collazo after their welterweight bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 3, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NV – MAY 03: Amir Khan celebrates his unanimous-decision victory over Luis Collazo after their welterweight bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 3, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Conor Benn is on course to become one of Britain’s biggest stars in the sport. The undefeated 24-year-old has shown his class in the ring on multiple occasions already. However, it appears as though he will not get his preferred opponent, Amir Khan, next.
The WBA continental welterweight champion made another huge stride towards a world title when he demolished Samuel Vargas in the first round on Saturday. After the fight, instead of calling for a world title bout, Benn called for a bout against his idol Amir Khan.
via Reuters
Boxing – Conor Benn v Samuel Vargas – WBA Continental Welterweight Title – The SSE Arena, London, Britain – April 10, 2021 Conor Benn before the fight Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge
Khan has since responded to the callout. The former world champion took to his Twitter to give his reaction to the news. He wrote, “Conor well done. Great kid, wish him the best. At his age I was a world champ. Maybe if he had some belts that fight would make sense but he’s got a long way to go yet.”
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This comment from Amir Khan showed how he rated his performance on the night. However, the former world champion feels the young superstar needs more to warrant a fight against him. In addition, the Britisher could not resist a dig at Benn.
Conor well done. Great kid, wish him the best.
At his age I was a world champ.
Maybe if he had some belts that fight would make sense but he’s got a long way to go yet 👊🏽 😝— Amir Khan (@amirkingkhan) April 11, 2021
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Who could Conor Benn fight next if not Amir Khan?
These comments from Khan all but shut down the possibility of a fight between the two. Although it will disappoint Benn, the Englishman has several options for his next fight.
However, it will be interesting to see who he settles on.
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The welterweight division includes challengers like Shawn Porter, Keith Thurman, and others, while there are young stars like Vergil Ortiz Jr., Jaron Ennis, among others. Moreover, if Benn wants a big-name domestic opponent, Kell Brook could also be a consideration.
via Reuters
Boxing – Conor Benn v Samuel Vargas – WBA Continental Welterweight Title – The SSE Arena, London, Britain – April 10, 2021 Conor Benn reacts during the fight against Samuel Vargas Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge
From the options, a fight against another rising star like Vergil Ortiz Jr., or Jaron Ennis would be very exciting for fans. Benn is open to fighting anyone at any time. Therefore, it would not be an issue in terms of negotiations. Moreover, the winner of those fights would be in pole position for the title.
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What do you make of these comments from Amir Khan? Who do you think Conor Benn should fight instead of him?
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