Conor Benn to return in JUNE, reveals Eddie Hearn after teasing Manny Pacquiao fight

Conor Benn is set to return this summer for a ‘massive match’ that is ‘close’ to being signed, according to Eddie Hearn.

Benn has had a chaotic period after his domestic matchup with Chris Eubank Jr was scrapped after failing two drug tests, with the fighter suspended amid a UKAD and WBC investigation.

But he was later cleared of wrongdoing by the WBC, who claimed high egg consumption could have been behind his positive test for the drug Clomifene, and his promoter Hearn was looking to get him back in action.

Five months after the October debacle, the Matchroom boss revealed that he was close to a deal for a summer fight.

He previously teased a sensational fight with Manny Pacquiao, though he did not confirm that the legendary boxer would be Benn’s next opponent.

Conor Benn (left) is set to return to boxing this June in a big fight, according to Eddie Hearn, who previously teased a fight with Manny Pacquiao (right).

Hearn said fans could expect ‘big fight news’ in due course as he plans for Benn’s return.

Benn is still under investigation by UKAD and therefore has not been cleared to fight in the UK, but is allowed to fight in another country if he receives a license.

“Six months later, having talked about this every day, we are ready to announce Conor Benn’s next fight,” he told iFL.

I can’t wait because I’m done talking about it. Everyone can have their opinion on it and I will always answer questions about it, but now is the time for Conor Benn to return to the ring. Love him, hate him, throw him away, discard whatever you want to do, I don’t care, I just want to see him fight again.

‘We will be releasing big fight news. He will be fighting in June and there will be more details in due course.”

It comes after Hearn suggested that Pacquaio could be Benn’s next opponent last month.

Benn was suspended in October after he twice tested positive for a banned substance.

Sportsmail’s Riath Al-Samarrai revealed the exclusive of Benn’s positive drug test in October

“I wouldn’t be surprised to see Conor Benn fight Manny Pacquiao next,” Hearn said, speaking to Boxing King Media.

“But it’s not signed, there have been a couple of discussions, minor discussions.”

Speaking exclusively to Sportsmail in October, Pacquiao revealed his intentions to fight in the UK before hanging up the gloves for good.

“Hopefully before my boxing career is over, I will have an exhibition or professional fight in the UK. I hope there will be a fight,” he said.

Pacquiao, one of the most esteemed fighters of all time who has won a world title in eight different weight divisions, retired in 2021 after losing to Yordenis Ugas, but most recently had an exhibition fight against YouTuber DK Yoo in December.

Pacquiao retired in 2021, but has since returned for an exhibition fight against YouTuber DK Yoo.

Benn gave his first television interview with Piers Morgan this week, where he admitted to having suicidal thoughts over the ordeal.

Benn spoke about his failed drug test, first reported by Sportsmail, in a television interview for the first time this week when faced with questions from Piers Morgan.

The 26-year-old, who has always stressed his innocence over failed drug tests, said he felt like he was on “death row” and admitted to having suicidal thoughts over the allegations.

Benn said: ‘It hurt me. I did not think that this period would pass.

“It’s hard because I feel like I’m on death row for something I haven’t even done.”

Morgan asked: ‘When you say you didn’t think you would make it, what do you mean?’

Benn added: ‘I was taking it day by day. I didn’t think he would see another day.

Asked if he was feeling suicidal, Benn replied: “Yes, I would say so.”