Conor Benn welcomes welterweight clash with British rival Josh Kelly

Joe HewlettJoe Hewlett31 March 2020
conor benn

conor benn

Conor Benn has welcomed an all-British showdown with welterweight rival Josh Kelly on Instagram live to promoter Eddie Hearn.

‘Pretty Boy’ Kelly was expected to take on Russian David Avanesyan but has postponed for a second time because of the coronavirus pandemic. The pair are set to reschedule their bout once they’re allowed to do so, with the European championship up for grabs. 

‘Pretty Boy’ Kelly was originally pencilled in to fight Avanesyan on December 7, 2019, but pulled out the night before due to illness. Avanesyan’s manager questioned the decision by Kelly’s manager and trainer Adam Booth in an astonishing rant.

The ‘Dark Destroyer’, who has been linked to a showdown with Kelly for the last 12 months, hopes the Sunderland man can come through the bout with a win, but has his doubts.

Benn said: "I speak with Avanesyan. Me and Kelly have had our back and forths. But you have to support the Brit.
"It would be a massive fight if Kelly comes through. Am I struggling to see it? I am. Based on the last three performances of each fighter. They say you're only as good as your last fight."
Kelly’s last three fights have seen two appearances in the US go the distance, including a draw with Ray Robinson - a decision met with criticism with many believing the American had done enough to win at Madison Square Garden. 
The other fight, his last in the UK in April 2019, saw Kelly capture the WBA International title with a unanimous decision win over Przemyslaw Runowski.

'Pretty Boy Kelly'

Avanesyan meanwhile, won all three of his bouts in 2019 by knockout in Spain, with two successful defences of the EBU belt.  
Speaking to Hearn, Benn said: "I think Avanesyan could get to him late based on Kelly slowing down in the later rounds," Benn said. "But maybe that's a weight thing so if he does his weight properly he may have more energy in the later rounds.
"I'd fight either of them."
Matchroom Boxing’s Hearn said: "A fight with Kelly is a big, British fight. If [Kelly] beats Avanesyan and [Benn] wins a British title and move up in the world rankings, it is a big fight.
"[Benn] is closing the gap because people said [Kelly] was too experienced for him, with his amateur pedigree. Too good for [Benn]?
"But as Benn's performances have improved, people are talking about this fight being more competitive."

'Blessing in disguise' I don't have Kelly's amateur pedigree

Kelly and Benn’s career differ. Kelly made his name through the amateur ranks, representing Team GB at various tournaments, including the 2016 Olympics while Benn - who tried to make a name for himself without being compared to father and British legend Nigel - applied his craft with a few bouts in Australia. 

However, regardless of Kelly having the upper-hand, Benn feels blessed to be in his position. 
"Kelly had a head-start with his amateur career," Benn said. "That's something I wish I had, but wish I didn't have at the same time.
"I believe it would do me favours later in my career. But you end up having injuries.
"It's a blessing in disguise that I don't have the amateurs. I'm putting in the hard graft now to make up for it.
"I may never be a polished, slick, defensive fighter. All I know is that whoever I fight will know they've been in a fight.
"Technically Kelly would box anyone's ears off for six rounds. But it's the next six that count.
"With the hard graft I put in, with being able to carry my punch power into the later rounds, and with being able to take a shot, I'd cause him a hell of a problem."