In a surprising turn of events, Gervonta Davis has declined the opportunity to face Conor Benn, leaving the British boxer in search of a new opponent.
Benn, eager for a significant fight after returning to the ring following two failed VADA tests, finds himself in need of a formidable challenger.
TANK REJECTS BENN OFFER ❌
— IFL TV (@IFLTV) February 20, 2024
Eddie Hearn has confirmed that Gervonta Davis has turned down an offer to fight Conor Benn with Benn now entering into talks to fight Danny Garcia.
Who wins that one? 👀#BennGarcia | #GervontaDavis | #BoxingNews pic.twitter.com/CaofpUBIGy
Benn's recent victories against Rodolfo Orozco and Peter Dobson have not lived up to expectations, drawing criticism from Davis, who claimed he could stop Benn within three weeks. Despite promoter Eddie Hearn's generous offer of $10-15 million, Davis seems determined to explore other options.
Expressing his frustration, Benn lashed out at Davis for turning down Matchroom's offer to move up in weight and fight him. Eddie Hearn, the promoter, disclosed that Davis had rejected the proposal, leaving Benn without a confirmed opponent.
Hearn, in Edinburgh to announce the April 27 showdown between Josh Taylor and Jack Catterall, revealed that Davis initially approached him about facing Benn after the Englishman's unanimous points win over Dobson on February 3 in Las Vegas. Hearn hinted at multiple potential opponents for Benn, currently in the contractual negotiation stage.
Benn's career has been marked by anti-doping issues stemming from two failed VADA accredited drug tests in 2022, leading to a canceled encounter with Chris Eubank Jr. Although cleared by the National Anti-Doping panel in July 2023, ongoing appeals from BBBofC and UKAD have added uncertainty.
Despite the setback, Hearn confirmed plans to reach out to former two-weight world champion Danny Garcia, who expressed interest in facing Benn. Garcia, absent from the ring since July 2022, views a bout with Benn as a compelling opportunity at 154 pounds. The fight may gain traction in the UK, given Benn's established fanbase.
“I would love to fight him at 154. That makes great sense. He wants to fight a big name. Garcia vs. Benn. There ain’t no bigger fight than fighting Danny Garcia. So, I would love that fight. Stylistically, that’s a great fight for me, and that’s a fight that I would love at 154, not at 147. They already know what time it is. I don’t duck no smoke. I’m about to change my middle name from ‘Swift’ to ‘Smoke.’If the price is right, I would go anywhere [to fight Benn],” Garcia said
"I want to see him [Benn] fight in the UK next, and it's going to be a massive fight," Hearn stated, expressing enthusiasm for a potential clash with Garcia. The American boxer has thrown his name into the mix, emphasizing his willingness to face Benn if the terms align.
In response to Hearn's revelation about Davis refusing the proposed contest, Benn took to social media, posting a straightforward message to Davis:
"Don't ever @ me ever again. @gervontaa."
As Benn awaits the resolution of his future, Hearn remains optimistic about a swift resolution, confident that Benn will soon step into the ring for a significant showdown in the UK.