Jacobs vs Arias: Conor Benn says American debut underlines how far he has come
Wednesday 18 November 2020 14:02, UK
Conor Benn says his American debut underlines just how far he has come in such a short space of time.
The 21-year-old takes on Mexican Brandon Sanudo, in the Nassau Coliseum, New York, on the Daniel Jacobs vs Luis Arias undercard, in the early hours of Sunday morning, live on Sky Sports.
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It will be Benn's 10th fight and just over 18 months since the son of celebrated British star, Nigel, turned professional.
'The Destroyer' made his debut on the same card that saw Anthony Joshua crowned world heavyweight champion, and has boxed on massive bills in London and Manchester already, but hits the bright lights of New York way ahead of the rest.
His dad, the 'Dark Destroyer', took 24 fights to cross the pond, while current stars James DeGale (24 fights) and Kell Brook (26) won their world titles there, but were deep into their careers, and Joshua is yet to do it.
Benn is proud to fly the British flag this weekend but even the confident, calm welterweight admits he will do well to take it all in.
"I didn't even know I would be where I am today, never mind fighting in New York or America," he exclusively told Sky Sports.
"Honestly, I'm pleased with the fighter I've become but I had no idea I was going to get where I am in this time, to be the fighter I have become and the man I have become.
"It's so rare. Maybe when I make a few appearances, the public will then understand and I can tell them my side of the story on how it's come about, how it was never meant to be like this.
"I was meant to stay as an amateur for three or four years because I thought I'd give it a try. But never did I think I would be good enough to sign for Matchroom, never mind fight live on Sky.
"It's beyond my dreams."
Benn knew the American debut was on the cards if he came through his last fight, against Nathan Clarke, which he did with increasing power, precision and speed.
He takes on a Mexican for the first time in Long Island, with plenty of people watching on to see if Benn carries the same impact that saw his father cut down Iran 'The Blade' Barkley and the tough Doug DeWitt when he hit America.
"Look at the progress in a year, how big it is, and hopefully it brings bigger and better things," Benn said.
"There's no point being static with my improvement, I just want to improve more and more and more.
"Then when I am the finished article, then I'll start fighting for titles but at the minute, I just need to absorb everything - like a sponge.
"Everyone can see it. Everyone can see it in my performances and even if I have a tough time, in New York or anywhere, then I will come back even stronger."
You can see the whole Conor Benn vs Brandon Sanudo fight, as part of the Jacobs vs Arias show, which is live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Action, from 2.30am, Sunday.
