Two years of agony finally come to an end for Conor Benn. The British boxer was stripped of his privileges to fight on his home soil after he tested positive for a banned substance. It derailed his high-stakes fight with Chris Eubank Jr. and slapped him with a ban on fighting in the UK. While the recent NADP (National Anti-Doping Panel) decision gave him the much-needed relief, Eddie Hearn admitted it wasn’t without “a ton of sh-t.”

NADP recently ruled to lift the ban on Benn, 28, to fight in the UK. The British Boxing Board of Control has decided not to challenge the decision in an appeal. What’s more? The BBBofC will provide him with the boxing license to put on a show in the UK for the first time since April 2022. But for the Greenwich native, it was an emotionally tumultuous period. He disclosed the same on his social media: “The past 24 months have unquestionably been the toughest fight of my life.”

Hearn, 45, shared similar sentiments and expressed his opinion on the matter in a conversation with IFL TV. He said, “I’m not looking for an apology. But you gave me a load of sh-t and you tried to take that young man’s soul.” Following this, the British promoter also disclosed his plans to make big fights for ‘The Destroyer’ next.

He continued, “What Conor Benn has been through now will all come good, and we are making massive plans for his next fight.” Benn, at 23-0, has reignited his rivalry with Eubank Jr. to put an end to and stage a splendid event. However, it seems he and his team have set sights on a different fighter, with intentions to become a world champion next.

Conor Benn: eyes on the gold

Benn again took to social media and revealed his desire to have a go at Mario Barrios, the WBC welterweight champion. He wrote, “Hey Barrios, I hope that everything is good. I am ready for this fight. I’m sure it’s going to be a great night for the fans.”

Interestingly, it remains to be seen where his next could be. His last two fights, against Rodolfo Orozco and Peter Dobson, happened in the United States. But with the ban now lifted, booking a venture in the UK would be a tempting option.

While a fight with Eubank Jr. has traction and might turn out to be a PPV blockbuster, a fight with Barrios could light him to the world champion’s status. Which one is his priority? It’s a good headache for Hearn now to have after a couple of tough years fighting BBBofC and keeping Benn’s career on track.

What do you make of these comments by Eddie Hearn about Conor Benn? Who do you think he should fight next? Let us know in the comments below.