Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has a tough decision on his hands, and it's a dilemma that has the boxing world buzzing! Hearn's fighter, Conor Benn, has his eyes set on a massive challenge: taking on the defensive powerhouse, Shakur Stevenson. But here's where it gets controversial: Hearn himself seems hesitant about this potential matchup.
Benn, a rising British star, has been vocal about his desire to face Stevenson, who just dominated Teofimo Lopez to claim the super-lightweight title and become a four-weight world champion. Hearn, when asked about potential opponents for Stevenson, named several top contenders but surprisingly omitted Benn from the list. Hearn acknowledges that Benn has a significant size advantage, which could be crucial in the ring. However, he also recognizes the immense skill of Stevenson, making it a daunting task for Benn.
And this is the part most people miss: Hearn's hesitation might stem from the fact that Benn has been campaigning at welterweight and even middleweight, while Stevenson is a natural super-lightweight. This weight discrepancy could be a strategic advantage for Benn, but it also raises questions about the fairness of the fight.
Benn's immediate future seems to be focused on other potential opponents, such as Rolando Romero or the winner of Mario Barrios vs. Ryan Garcia. Meanwhile, Stevenson, now without a lightweight title, is considering staying at 140lbs and has expressed interest in Isaac Cruz. A potential move to welterweight for Benn, Devin Haney, or Garcia remains a possibility, but the focus is elsewhere for now.
So, will we see Benn take on the formidable Stevenson? Hearn's comments suggest it's a long shot, but in the world of boxing, anything can happen. What do you think? Is this a fight that should be made, or should Benn focus on other challenges? The boxing community is divided, and we'd love to hear your thoughts!