Conor Benn vs Gervonta Davis in the works, Eddie Hearn confirms

Benn and ‘Tank’ traded barbs on social media after the former’s win over Peter Dobson last weekend

Alex Pattle
Combat Sports Correspondent
Wednesday 07 February 2024 14:39 GMT
Comments
Kody ‘Big Mo’ Mommaerts on life as ringmaster inside the combat sports arena

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Eddie Hearn has confirmed that a fight between Conor Benn and Gervonta Davis is in the works.

Benn beat Peter Dobson on points on Saturday (3 February), before taking to social media to call out a number of potential opponents. Devin Haney was among the names listed, but another unbeaten American soon waded into the conversation, catching Benn’s attention.

Davis, 29, hit out at Benn, 27, while calling for the Briton to let his promoter get to work on a bout between the pair. And Hearn has now confirmed that talks are in fact under way.

“Lots of talks with Gervonta Davis,” the Matchroom chairman said on his company’s YouTube channel on Wednesday (7 February). “Firstly those two going back and forth, then I’ve spoken to Gervonta personally.

“He’ll be receiving an offer from us today for that fight as well. I think it’s a huge fight.

“Could happen in the UK, but we’re thinking in America for that.”

Benn (left) with promoter Hearn in 2022
Benn (left) with promoter Hearn in 2022 (Getty Images)

Benn typically competes at welterweight, while Davis is WBA lightweight champion and previously held the IBF super-featherweight title. “Tank” also previously held a version of the WBA super-lightweight belt.

Benn’s win over Dobson was his second decision victory in four months, and his second in the US in that time. Benn, who defeated Rodolfo Orozco in Florida then Dobson in Las Vegas, is currently unable to box in Britain amid an ongoing drug-test saga.

Gervonta Davis during his stoppage win over Ryan Garcia in 2023
Gervonta Davis during his stoppage win over Ryan Garcia in 2023 (Getty Images)

The Briton failed two drug tests in 2022, derailing his planned bout with Chris Eubank Jr and leading the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) to suspend his licence. The National Anti-Doping Panel provisionally ended the suspension in July 2023, only for the BBBofC and UK Anti-Doping to appeal that move.

A final verdict on Benn’s suspension is due at the end of February, according to the welterweight.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in