Promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed that negotiations have begun for a fight between legend Manny Pacquiao and British welterweight Conor Benn for a clash in Saudi Arabia next.
The 45-year-old Pacquiao, who hasn’t fought in three years since 2021 and is currently retired, said he hopes to have the fight with Benn done by the time he leaves Saudi Arabia. Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KOs) is in Riyadh for the Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou clash this Friday.
On social media, the reaction to the news of Benn and Pacquiao being in talks has been overwhelmingly negative, with people upset about it. Pacquiao is old and finished as a fighter, but still holding on for some reason.
Benn doesn’t seem serious about progressing his career toward a world title opportunity. The 27-year-old Benn, the son of British legend Nigel Benn, seems more interested in hustling fights against established fighters he has no business fighting, like Gervonta Davis.
Benn (23-0, 14 KOs) has been fighting exclusively non-contenders during his eight-year professional career, making it difficult to predict how he’ll do against the former eight-division world champion Pacquiao. We saw Benn recently struggle against second-tier fighters Peter Dobson and Rafael Orozco, having problems beating these non-contenders.
Fans have noticed that the 27-year-old Conor Benn’s power has evaporated, and he’s no longer knocking out his opponents.
Eddie Hearn: “We’re talking. This is a fight I love between one of the legends of the sport against one of the biggest young lions at 147 lbs. If we can make this fight, we’d be very happy out here in Saudi Arabia or at Wembley Stadium. We’ll see, but we’re talking. I love the match-up. Idols become rivals. This is a great fight and we’ll see what happens,” said promoter Hearn to the Matchroom Boxing YouTube channel, talking about the clash between Manny Pacquiao and Conor Benn, being in talks for a Saudi Arabia clash.
“This guy here [Conor Benn] is the future at 147 lbs, and this man [Pacquiao] is one of the legends in the sport of boxing.”
Ariel Helwani: “Manny, is this one of the fights that you’re interested in?”
Manny Pacquiao: “Yes, we can give a good fight and entertain the fans. It’s been a while since I fought a young fighter like him, so I’m excited about that.
Helwani: “How close is it to being done?”
Pacquiao: “I hope that we can get it done before we go back home.”
Helwani: “This is a legend here. Maybe not on the radar after your last fight for a potential next fight for you. How did this come about?”
Conor Benn: “He wasn’t on my radar, but the public demanded it. If the public wants it, the public is going to get it. I’ve not hidden anything about wanting to go to 154, 160 to fight the legends [Chris Eubank Jr.] of the game. If the public wants it, they can get it. I’ll fight any man. This fight can happen. Pacquiao wants the fight. [I] want the fight and get can get it done.”
Helwani: “How close is it to being done?”
Benn: “I’m ready to go now. I’m ready to go tomorrow. I’m sure he’s ready to go. He’s looking in great shape. We’re both ready to go. Let’s get the pen to the paper and get it done.”
Helwani: “Are you impressed with this young man?”
Pacquiao: “Yes, yes, I’ve watched a couple of his fights before, and he’s very good.”
