Connolly believes Benn is now one of the “five or six” biggest stars in boxing following his win over Chris Eubank Jr. in their rematch last November.
“It was a great year. He just closed it out with an epic win. It’s a win that will be talked about for the next 30 years over in England,” Connolly said on Punsh Drunk.
“I think Conor now is one of the five or six biggest superstars in the world. He’s charismatic, marketable, and he proved to everybody that he’s also a great fighter.”
Benn’s win over the 36-year-old Eubank Jr. came with caveats, including a 10-pound rehydration clause and Eubank dropping from super middleweight to fight at 160.
Benn remains a major draw in the UK, but his profile in the U.S. is lower, where Eubank Jr. is not viewed as a top middleweight.
“He showed discipline. He stayed within himself,” Connolly said. “Now the sky is the limit, and we expect to fight Ryan Garcia if he beats Barrios in the first half of next year.”
A Garcia rematch with Devin Haney would likely draw more interest in the U.S. than a fight with Benn. There’s a demand for that fight, and not much of any for a match with Benn.
In the eyes of many American fans, Conor is still viewed as the son of the famous British boxer Nigel Benn. He’s 29, and still hasn’t fought any of the cutting-edge fighters or won a world title.
