Conor Benn has dropped a major hint over a showdown with ring legend Manny Pacquiao this summer. The welterweight star has not fought since testing positive for banned substance comifene in the lead-up to his grudge match against Chris Eubank Jr last October.
Benn has denied any wrongdoing, with the WBC finding ‘no conclusive evidence’ he had deliberately taken the substance, reintroducing the Ilford fighter to their rankings. While still being investigated by UKAD and the British Boxing Board of Control, he is preparing for his return to the ring.
In a social media post on Wednesday, Benn shared footage of himself working in the gym, tagging Pacquiao in the post along with a signed contract emoji, fuelling speculation a deal could be done. The footage also showed one of Pacquiao’s old fights playing in the background.
Pacquiao, 44, retired from boxing in 2021 following a defeat to Yordenis Ugas. The eight-weight world champion has remained open to a full return, with his advisor Sean Gibbons confirming he has returned to full training.
Benn’s promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed interest in making the fight happen, stating: ‘We believe he is innocent... He wants Manny Pacquiao, he wants Chris Eubank Jr, he wants Errol Spence Jr.’ Hearn added that Benn is not interested in a warm-up fight.
