CONOR BENN is set to fight ring legend Manny Pacquiao.
The 27-year-old welterweight son of British ring legend Nigel has been fighting a doping case for almost two years and that is set to come to a close.
After the second-generation clash with the son of his dad’s nemesis Chris Eubank Jr was axed, Benn ripped up his licence and took two stay-busy fights on a US licence in Florida and Las Vegas.
In an effort to rebuild his reputation and bank balance – after a mentally and financially draining battle to prove his innocence – he is set to take on the EIGHT-WEIGHT legend Pacquiao.
Benn’s backers will celebrate his return to big-time boxing but his critics will highlight the Pacman’s last win came in 2019.
The Philippines fighter hasn’t taken to the ring since his loss to Yordenis Ugas in 2021.
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While his last victory came over Keith Thurman in July 2019 – almost five years ago.
The blockbuster bout was set to be announced at the weigh-in for Anthony Joshua’s fight with Francis Ngannou before a last minute change stopped it from happening.
Although the pair discussed the potential fight alongside promoter Eddie Hearn at the event.
Speaking to DAZN, Hearn said: “Listen, we’re talking. This is a fight I love.
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“It’s a legend of the sport against one of the biggest young lions at 147 pounds.”
Pacquiao was asked point blank if he would be interested in the fight and replied: “Yes. I believe he can give a good fight. It’s been a while since I have fought a young fighter like him and I am excited for that.”
While Benn added: “It [the fight] wasn’t on my radar. It’s idols to rivals and the public demand it and if the public want it the public are going to get it.
“I’ve not hidden the face that I want to get to 160 or 154 to fight legends of the game.
“I’ll fight any man. I’ll fight anyone put in front of me – if the public want it they can get it.”
It’s not known when the fight will be announced, but all parties hinted that they were hoping to get the deal signed as soon as possible.
Pacquiao even suggested that he would like to come to an agreement before he leaved Riyadh after the Joshua vs Ngannou fight.
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Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
