Connolly believes Benn is now one of the “five or six” biggest stars in boxing after his win over Chris Eubank Jr. in their rematch last November.
“It was a great year. He just capped it off with an epic win. It’s a win that will be talked about in England for the next 30 years,” Connolly said. Punch Drunk.
“I think Conor is one of the five or six biggest superstars in the world right now. He’s charismatic, marketable, and he’s proven to everyone that he’s also a great fighter.”
Benn’s win over 36-year-old Eubank Jr. came with caveats, including a 10-pound rehydration clause and Eubank dropping from super-middleweight to fight at 160.
Benn remains a big draw in the UK, but his profile in the US is lower, where Eubank Jr. not considered a top middleweight.
“He showed discipline. He stayed within himself,” Connolly said. “Now the sky’s the limit, and we expect to fight Ryan Garcia if he beats Barrios in the first half of next year.”
A Garcia rematch with Devin Haney is likely to attract more interest in the US than a fight with Benn. There is a demand for that fight, and not much of any for a match with Benn.
In the eyes of many American fans, Conor is still considered the son of the famous British boxer Nigel Benn. He is 29 and has yet to fight any of the top fighters or win a world title.
