Conor Benn drops hint about next fight after returning with Rodolfo Orozco win

24 September 2023 , 05:32

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Conor Benn got the better of Rodolfo Orozco in Florida (Image: Melina Pizano/Matchroom)

British boxer Conor Benn has indicated he's keen to fight again on home soil "sooner rather than later" after returning to action with a points victory over Rodolfo Orozco.

The fight was Benn's first in more than a year, after two failed drugs tests from the 26-year-old put paid to his planned meeting with Chris Eubank Jr. After being cleared by UK anti-doping, The Destroyer was given the green light to fight in the United States this weekend.

Benn had 14 career KOs before the fight in Orlando, Florida, but this one went the distance. The judges found in favour of the Brit with scorecards of 99-91, 99-91 and 96-94.

After defeating Mexican opponent Orozco, he indicated his eye was on a UK return. And his comments come after Eubank Jr called out Benn this year, saying he was "coming for" his rival.

“We didn’t want a walk in the park,” Benn said after the fight, which was broadcast on DAZN. “I needed the rounds after 18 months out, he’s a true Mexican, my first Mexican I’ve fought, and we knew he was durable.

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"Credit to him, he’s never been stopped before and he’s one tough man and I hope he progresses," he added. Benn dismissed suggestions of ring rust in his first outing since beating Chris van Heerden in Manchester in April 2022, while laying the framework for a UK return.

“They are stronger and take shots more, I don’t think there was ring rust, I was going through the gears after going through hell," he added. “Britain is my home and it’s only right I fight back there, sooner rather than later.”

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Benn won by unanimous decision (Melina Pizano/Matchroom)

Benn was made to work hard for his victory against Orozco. He had the measure of his opponent in the early goings, but the Mexican was able to withstand that pressure even after Benn made his first big impact in round three.

The Brit wasn't able to score a knockout on his return after nearly months away. He did more than enough for a points victory, though, and will take the result forward.

A new date for Benn's meeting with Eubank Jr is still yet to be determined, though there have been suggestions the pair could face off as soon as December. Negotiations have begun following Eubank Jr's victory over Liam Smith which left his career record at 33-3.

"There's some big names out there," the 34-year-old said after beating Smith in Manchester at the start of September. "I see a few of these guys in the crowd.

"I'm coming for you Conor, I'm coming for you Kell [Brook]. I'm coming for you. Anybody else who wants it, we're going to put on a show for the fans."

Tom Victor