Conor Benn facts for kids

Conor Nigel Benn (born 28 September 1996) is a British professional boxer. He is famous for his exciting fighting style. Conor is the son of Nigel Benn, who was also a world champion boxer. Conor started his professional boxing career in 2016. In 2018, he won an important title, the WBA Continental (Europe) welterweight championship. He earned this title by beating Cedrick Peynaud.

Early Life and Growing Up

Conor Benn had a comfortable childhood. This was because his dad, Nigel, was a very successful boxer. Conor spent 12 years of his childhood living in Mallorca, a beautiful island in Spain. His family lived in a large house with a swimming pool. He even had a Jacuzzi in his own room!

Even with all this, his father taught him to be independent. Conor learned to earn his own money. He once said he supported himself by "doing painting and decorating in Spain for €20 a day." He worked hard from morning until evening. Conor also spent time in Australia. There, he practiced amateur boxing before becoming a professional.

Conor Benn's Boxing Journey

Starting His Professional Boxing Career

Conor Benn has been trained by Tony Sims since he first became a professional boxer. His father, Nigel, knew Tony from their own boxing days. Conor had his first professional fight in April 2016. He was 19 years old. The fight was at The O2 Arena in London. He won by technical knockout in the first round against Ivailo Boyanov.

After that, he won another fight in Glasgow. He then knocked out Lukas Radic in June. On 10 September 2016, Conor was supposed to fight Silvije Kebet. But Kebet pulled out, so Conor fought Joe Ducker instead. He won by technical knockout in the second round. This made his record 4 wins and 0 losses.

On 24 September, Conor fought his first six-round match. He won by points against Ross Jameson. This fight was at the Manchester Arena. His father had fought there many times. Conor was set to fight again in November but had to pull out due to illness. In December, he fought Steven Backhouse. Conor knocked him down twice in the first round and won by knockout. The fight ended very quickly.

Continuing His Winning Streak

After a short break, Conor returned to the O2 Arena on 1 July 2017. He stopped Mike Cole in the third round after a strong left hook. This was his fifth win by stoppage. On 1 September 2017, Conor fought at York Hall for the first time. He stopped Kane Baker, who had been unbeaten.

Conor then fought Nathan Clarke on 7 October 2017. He knocked Clarke out in the first round. The fight lasted only 2 minutes and 16 seconds. After this win, his promoter said Conor would fight in the United States next.

Conor made his American debut on 11 November in New York. He fought Brandon Sanudo from Mexico. Conor got his fifth knockout win in a row. He dropped Sanudo with a left hook to the body in the second round. The referee stopped the fight after just one minute of that round.

His next fight was on 13 December 2017 against Cedrick Peynaud from France. This was a tough fight for Conor. He was knocked down twice in the first round. This was the first time he had been knocked down as a professional. But he got back up both times! He even managed to knock Peynaud down in the fifth and sixth rounds. Conor won the fight by points, keeping his unbeaten record.

In January 2018, it was suggested Conor fight Isaac MacLeod. On 21 April, Conor fought Chris Truman in Liverpool. He won by TKO in the fourth round.

Winning a Major Title

On 13 June, it was announced that Conor would have a rematch with Cedrick Peynaud. This fight was on 28 July at The O2 Arena. The WBA announced that this fight would be for their vacant Continental welterweight title.

Conor knocked Peynaud down three times in this fight. He won by a unanimous decision after 10 rounds. This means all three judges agreed he won. The scores were 98–90, 98–91, and 97–90 in his favor. Peynaud tried to land big punches, but Conor used his skills to move around the ring. This was the first time Conor had fought for 10 rounds in his professional career.

Climbing the Ranks

Benn vs. Koivula

Conor defended his WBA Continental title several times. His first defense was against Jussi Koivula from Finland on 21 June 2019. Koivula started strong, but Conor landed a powerful left hook in the second round. This sent Koivula to the floor. Conor won by technical knockout soon after.

Benn vs. Jamoye

His next fight was against Steve Jamoye from Belgium on 26 October 2019. Conor won by technical knockout in the fourth round.

Benn vs. Formella

On 21 November 2020, Conor fought Sebastian Formella. Formella was a former champion. Conor won by unanimous decision after 10 rounds. The judges scored the fight 99–92, 99–91, and 100–91 for Conor. This was the second time Conor had fought for the full 10 rounds.

Career from 2021-2023

Benn vs. Vargas

Conor returned to the ring on 10 April 2021 to face Samuel Vargas. Many thought Vargas would be Conor's toughest challenge yet. But the fight lasted only 80 seconds! Conor landed many punches, and the fight was stopped. After the fight, Conor challenged former champion Amir Khan. Khan had beaten Vargas before, but he didn't think Conor was ready to fight him.

Benn vs. Granados

On 14 June 2021, Conor signed a new five-year deal with Matchroom Sport. He was set to fight Adrián Granados on 31 July. However, the fight was postponed because Conor tested positive for COVID-19. The fight was rescheduled for 4 September in Leeds.

Conor won the fight against Granados by unanimous decision. He outworked and outboxed his opponent for 10 rounds. The scores were 100–90, 99–91, and 97–93. Granados seemed happy just to stay in the fight. Conor even shouted at him to fight more! Even though he won clearly, Conor was annoyed he didn't stop his opponent earlier.

Benn vs. Algieri

On 7 November 2021, it was announced that Conor would fight Chris Algieri. Algieri was a former champion. The fight took place on 11 December in Liverpool. Conor beat him in the fourth round to keep his title. This made his record 20 wins and 0 losses.

Benn vs. Van Heerden

On 9 March 2022, it was announced that Conor would face Chris Van Heerden. Van Heerden was also a former champion. The fight was on 16 April 2022 in Manchester. Conor dominated Van Heerden. He won by TKO in the second round and kept his title.

Cancelled Fight with Chris Eubank Jr.

On 5 October 2022, a fight between Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr. was postponed.

Benn vs Orozco

After a long break of 525 days, Conor Benn returned to the ring. On 23 September 2023, he fought Rodolfo Orozco in Florida. He won the fight by unanimous decision. The judges scored it 99-91, 99-91, and 96-94.

Career from 2024

Benn vs Dobson

On February 3, 2024, Conor fought Peter Dobson in Las Vegas. Conor won the fight by unanimous decision after 12 rounds.

Rescheduled Fight with Chris Eubank Jr.

In January 2025, it was reported that Conor Benn was set to fight Chris Eubank Jr. in London. This exciting match is planned for April 26, 2025.

Personal Life

Conor Benn has even acted in movies! He played his father, Nigel, in the 2019 film Rise of the Footsoldier: Marbella. He also appeared in the 2021 film Rise of the Footsoldier: Origins.

Like his father, Conor is a Christian. He has Christian symbols tattooed on his body. He has said, "I trust in God, I trust in the process."

Because he lived in Mallorca as a child, Conor speaks Spanish very well. He also supports the football team West Ham United F.C..

Professional Boxing Record