Jacobs vs Arias: Johnny Nelson says Conor Benn's apprenticeship is over
Wednesday 8 November 2017 14:46, UK
Johnny Nelson believes Conor Benn's fight this weekend in New York, live on Sky Sports, marks the end of "his boxing apprenticeship"…
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I have to say that I'm really enjoying Benn's journey in the paid ranks and he's looked good and improved greatly from when he first turned pro.
I look at this trip to the States and it's perfect timing for him, doing it now and removing yourself from home comforts. For him to go through that at this point in his career, it can only be a good thing.
I wouldn't be surprised if we see Conor box more times in the States. Fans will like his style and after Nigel did it and had great success, it's a win-win situation for Conor.
You imagine fighting for the first time stateside much further down the line when titles are involved, a lot of fighters break and are intimidated, the whole concept of being in a different country can be overwhelming.
Like his father, who at some point went out to Miami and based himself there, this experience for Conor, it's not just about physical training but mental strengthening.
When I was younger, Brendan Ingle would take us to all the big shows and we would observe all the stars behind the scenes, so when it was finally our turn it was no big deal, it was all very much matter of fact.
I wouldn't be surprised if we see Conor box more times in the States. Fans will like his style and after Nigel did it and had great success, it's a win-win situation for Conor.
You've still got to say that Nigel's style at the same stage was vulnerable, reckless at times but it was still very successful, Conor is the same in a way, just with a bit more intelligence in there.
This will be Conor's 10th fight and I feel that his apprenticeship is now over, for his promoters to take him out to the USA, it shows that it is time to step up, they feel he's ready.
Following this weekend, every fight will have to mean something and every contest is significant, each one will move him closer to titles in 2018.
Watch Conor Benn's US debut along with Daniel Jacobs versus Luis Arias and Jarrell Miller against Mariusz Wach in New York from 3am this Sunday, live on Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Main Event.
