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Conor Benn

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Conor Benn
Born (1996-09-28) 28 September 1996 (age 28)
Greenwich, London, England[1]
Other namesThe Destroyer
Statistics
Weight(s)Welterweight Light middleweight
Height5 ft 8 in (173 cm)
Reach68 in (173 cm)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights23
Wins23
Wins by KO14

Conor Nigel Benn (born 28 September 1996) is a British professional boxer. He is the son of former two-division world champion of boxing, Nigel Benn.

Early life

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Benn had a privileged upbringing due to his father Nigel's successful boxing career. Twelve years of his childhood were spent on the Spanish island of Mallorca, where he lived with his family in a gated, eight-bedroom mansion with a pool, and had a Jacuzzi in his room.[2] Despite this, his father taught him financial self-reliance by never giving him money; Benn said he supported himself by "doing painting and decorating in Spain for €20 a day...from six to five". He also spent time in Australia where he boxed as an amateur before starting his professional career.[3][4][5]

Professional career

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Early career

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Benn has been trained by Tony Sims since his professional debut, with his father, Nigel, having known and sparred with Tony since both of their respective boxing careers.[6] He made his professional debut in April 2016 aged 19 at The O2 Arena in London defeating Bulgarian Ivailo Boyanov by technical knockout in the first round.[7] He followed this with a points victory over Luke 'The Nuke' Keleher at The SSE Hydro in Glasgow in May,[8] and a knockout of Lukas Radic in June[9] On 10 September 2016, Benn was due to fight Silvije Kebet on the undercard of Gennady Golovkin vs. Kell Brook. After Silvije Kebet pulled out Benn defeated late replacement Joe Ducker by technical knockout in the second round to take his unbeaten record to 4–0.[10] On 24 September, Benn fought his first ever six round fight and was taken the distance by Ross Jameson. Benn won a clear points decision. This also marked his first time fighting at the Manchester Arena, a venue his father fought at many times at world championship level.[11] Benn was next due to fight at Wembley Arena in London on 26 November but pulled out four days earlier due to illness.[12] On 1 December, it was announced that Benn would be part of the Anthony Joshua vs. Éric Molina heavyweight title undercard at the Manchester Arena on 10 December. His opponent was announced as Steven Backhouse.[13][14] Benn scored two knockdowns in round 1 and won the fight via knockout. The first knockdown came just after the opening bell after a left hook. Blackhouse never recovered and the fight was stopped just over a minute into the round.[15]

After a lay off, it was announced that Benn would return to the O2 Arena on 1 July 2017.[16] Benn stopped Mike Cole after knocking him down following a left hook in round 3, recording his fifth stoppage victory.[17] It was announced that Benn would appear on an edition of NXTGEN on Sky Sports on 1 September 2017 alongside Olympians Joshua Buatsi, Lawrence Okolie and Joe Cordina.[18] Fighting at the York Hall for the first time in his career, Benn stopped previously unbeaten Kane Baker in round 2. It was said that Benn would next fight on Anthony Joshua's next world title defence on 28 October at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.[19] It was announced that Benn would return to the Manchester Arena on the undercard of Anthony Crolla vs. Ricky Burns on 7 October 2017.[20] Benn remained undefeated knocking out Nathan Clarke in the first round. The fight lasted 2 minutes and 16 seconds.[21] In the post fight, Benn spoke about how his improvement in the gym has helped him fight better in the ring. Promoter Eddie Hearn stated that Benn's next fight would be in the United States.[22] Benn made his American debut on 11 November fighting Mexican boxer Brandon Sanudo at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. Benn scored his fifth consecutive knockout win, dropping Sanudo in round 2 with a left hook to the body. The fight was stopped by the referee after just 1 minute of round 2.[23] Benn next fought at the York Hall in London on 13 December 2017 against French boxer Cedrick Peynaud. Benn was dropped twice in the opening round, which was also the first time he was knocked down as a professional. He beat the count both times and managed to drop Peynaud down in round 5 and 6. The fight went to the referee's scorecard, who had the fight 57–54 in favour of Benn, maintaining his unbeaten run.[24]

In January 2018, the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) set out some purse bids for their titles. One of the fights they ordered put Benn against Isaac MacLeod in an English welterweight title eliminator. They stated the fight must take place by June 2018.[25] On 29 January 2018 it was announced that Benn would next fight on Amir Khan's UK return on 21 April at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, marking Benn's first fight in Merseyside.[26][27] On 5 February, Benn signed a two-year extension with Matchroom.[28] On the Khan-Lo Greco undercard, Benn defeated Chris Truman via round 4 TKO in the scheduled 6 round bout. Hearn later stated that Benn wanted to rematch Peynaud, likely for July 2018.[29]

On 13 June, it was announced that Benn would fight Cedric Peynaud in a rematch on the undercard of Dillian Whyte vs. Joseph Parker on 28 July at The O2 Arena in London.[30][31] The WBA announced the fight would be contested for their vacant Continental welterweight title.[32] Benn dropped Peynaud three times, boxing his way to a 10-round unanimous decision victory. The three judges' scored the bout 98–90, 98–91, 97–90 in his favour. Peynaud started the fight swinging aiming to land big shots, however Benn used his feet to move around the ring and sensibly box. Peynaud managed to land clean shots on Benn, without doing too much damage. The first knockdown came in round 2, although it was clear that Peynaud lost balance and slipped to the canvas. In round 7, Peynaud took a knee following a hard body shot. A right hook dropped Peynaud down a third time in round 9. Benn was able to go the 10 round distance for the first time in his professional career.[33][34]

Rise up the ranks

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Benn vs. Koivula

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Benn would go on to defend his WBA Continental title multiple times: his first defence came against Finnish veteran Jussi Koivula at York Hall on 21 June 2019. Koivula started strongly in the first round, but Benn was able to catch him with a strong left hook in the second round, sending Koivula to the canvas, and winning by second-round technical knockout shortly afterwards.[35]

Benn vs. Jamoye

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His next fight against Belgian veteran Steve Jamoye on the undercard of Regis Prograis vs. Josh Taylor on 26 October 2019 also resulted in a technical knockout victory for Benn, this time in the fourth round. Benn had a point deducted in the fourth round for a low blow, shortly before he dropped and stopped Jamoye.[36]

Benn vs. Formella

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On 21 November 2020, Benn defeated former IBO welterweight champion Sebastian Formella by unanimous decision at the SSE Arena in Wembley, London. Benn was able to dominate the veteran over the course of 10 rounds. The three judges scored the bout 99–92, 99–91, and 100–91 for Benn. It was the second time in his professional career that Benn's fight went the ten round distance.[37]

Benn vs. Vargas

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Benn returned to the ring on 10 April 2021 to face Samuel Vargas at the Copper Box Arena. Vargas, who had lasted seven rounds with undefeated Vergil Ortiz Jr. in his previous fight, was viewed by many as the toughest test of Benn's career so far. However, the fight lasted just 80 seconds, as Benn landed two right-left combinations which rocked Vargas, followed by a barrage of punches and a hard uppercut on the ropes that saw the bout stopped. In his post-fight interview, a fired-up Benn called out former unified light-welterweight champion Amir Khan, saying "Give me a proper test, give me Amir Khan. He's too busy messing about with reality shows."[38] Khan had previously beaten Vargas by twelve-round unanimous decision in 2018,[39] and was dismissive of the prospect of facing Benn, saying "At his [Benn's] age I was a world champ [sic]. Maybe if he had some belts that fight would make sense but he's got a long way to go yet".[40]

Benn vs. Granados

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On 14 June 2021, it was announced that Benn had signed a new five-year deal with Matchroom Sport, and that he would be facing Adrián Granados on 31 July as part of Fight Camp in Brentwood, Essex.[41] However, the fight was postponed after Benn tested positive for COVID-19.[42] On 14 August 2021, it was announced that the fight would take place on 4 September at Emerald Headingley Stadium in Leeds on the undercard of Mauricio Lara vs. Josh Warrington II.[43]

On the night, Benn outworked and outboxed his opponent over the ten-round distance to earn a unanimous decision, with scores of 100–90, 99–91 and 97–93 in his favour. Granados had seemingly been content to just stay in the fight and make no real attempt at winning, and by the final round had become so passive that Benn shouted at him, dropping his hands and banging his legs in an invitation for Granados to stand and fight. Despite the convincing nature of his victory, he expressed annoyance at not stopping his opponent inside the distance, stating in his post-fight interview, "It was very frustrating, he was on his bike the whole fight. I thought he was going to stand toe to toe but I had to hunt him down."[44]

Benn vs. Algieri

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On 7 November 2021, it was announced that Benn would be facing former WBO junior welterweight champion Chris Algieri on 11 December at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool.[45] He beat him inside 4 rounds to retain his title and move to 20-0.

Benn vs. Van Heerden

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On 9 March 2022, It was announced that Benn would face former IBO welterweight champion Chris Van Heerden on 16 April 2022 at the AO Arena in Manchester, England. Benn dominated Van Heerden en route to scoring a second round TKO and retaining his title.[citation needed]

Cancelled fight with Chris Eubank Jr.

[edit]

On 5 October 2022, a statement was released from the BBBofC declaring that Chris Eubank Jr. vs Conor Benn is prohibited from taking place on Saturday 8 October after Benn tested positive for clomifene. Benn's promoters released a statement saying, "Benn has not been charged with any rule violation, he is not suspended, and he remains free to fight." Eubank's promoter also said the fight would go ahead as scheduled.[46] The following day, the BBBofC confirmed that the fight had been postponed.[47]

Benn voluntarily relinquished his boxing licence with the British Boxing Board of Control after he tested positive for the banned substance clomifene in two separate Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) tests.[48]

Benn vs Orozco

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On 23 September 2023, after 525 days out of the ring, Conor Benn fought his comeback fight in Orlando, Florida against the Mexican Rodolfo Orozco. He won the fight by unanimous decision, with the judges scoring it 99-91, 99-91 and 96-94.[49]

Benn vs Dobson

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On February 3, 2024 in Las Vegas, Benn defeated Peter Dobson by unanimous decision after 12 rounds.[50]

Suspension

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In March 2023, the UK Anti-Doping Agency formally charged and provisionally suspended Conor Benn for an Article 2.2 violation for the alleged use of a prohibited substance, after two voluntary drug tests came back positive for clomifene.[51] In July 2023, a ruling made by the NADP (National Anti-Doping Panel) saw his suspension lifted, clearing the way for him to fight again. However, UKAD and the BBBofC (British Boxing Board of Control) appealed the NADP ruling.[52]

Personal life

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In 2019, Benn portrayed his father Nigel in the fourth instalment of the Rise of the Footsoldier film series.[53]

Similar to his father, Benn is Christian. He has Christian iconography tattooed on his body, and has stated, "I trust in God, I trust in the process."[3]

In addition to his native English, Benn also speaks Spanish due to the time he spent living in Mallorca as a child.[54]

Benn is a supporter of West Ham United F.C.[55]

Professional boxing record

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23 fights 23 wins 0 losses
By knockout 14 0
By decision 9 0
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
23 Win 23–0 Peter Dobson UD 12 3 Feb 2024 Chelsea Ballroom, Paradise, Nevada, US
22 Win 22–0 Rodolfo Orozco UD 10 23 Sep 2023 Caribe Royale, Orlando, Florida, US
21 Win 21–0 Chris van Heerden TKO 2 (12), 1:55 16 Apr 2022 Manchester Arena, Manchester, England Retained WBA Continental (Europe) welterweight title
20 Win 20–0 Chris Algieri KO 4 (12), 2:58 11 Dec 2021 M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool, England Retained WBA Continental (Europe) welterweight title
19 Win 19–0 Adrián Granados UD 10 4 Sep 2021 Emerald Headingley Stadium, Leeds, England Retained WBA Continental (Europe) welterweight title
18 Win 18–0 Samuel Vargas TKO 1 (12), 1:20 10 Apr 2021 Copper Box Arena, London, England Retained WBA Continental (Europe) welterweight title
17 Win 17–0 Sebastian Formella UD 10 21 Nov 2020 The SSE Arena, London, England Retained WBA Continental (Europe) welterweight title
16 Win 16–0 Steve Jamoye TKO 4 (10), 2:18 26 Oct 2019 The O2 Arena, London, England Retained WBA Continental (Europe) welterweight title
15 Win 15–0 Jussi Koivula TKO 2 (10), 2:00 21 Jun 2019 York Hall, London, England Retained WBA Continental (Europe) welterweight title
14 Win 14–0 Josef Zahradnik PTS 8 20 Apr 2019 The O2 Arena, London, England Retained WBA Continental (Europe) welterweight title
13 Win 13–0 Cedrick Peynaud UD 10 28 Jul 2018 The O2 Arena, London, England Won vacant WBA Continental (Europe) welterweight title
12 Win 12–0 Chris Truman TKO 4 (6), 1:17 21 Apr 2018 Echo Arena, Liverpool, England
11 Win 11–0 Cedrick Peynaud PTS 6 13 Dec 2017 York Hall, London, England
10 Win 10–0 Brandon Sanudo KO 2 (6), 1:00 11 Nov 2017 Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Uniondale, New York, US
9 Win 9–0 Nathan Clarke TKO 1 (6), 2:16 7 Oct 2017 Manchester Arena, Manchester, England
8 Win 8–0 Kane Baker TKO 2 (6), 2:05 1 Sep 2017 York Hall, London, England
7 Win 7–0 Mike Cole TKO 3 (6), 0:42 1 Jul 2017 O2 Arena, London, England
6 Win 6–0 Steven Backhouse TKO 1 (4), 1:06 10 Dec 2016 Manchester Arena, Manchester, England
5 Win 5–0 Ross Jameson PTS 6 24 Sep 2016 Manchester Arena, Manchester, England
4 Win 4–0 Joe Ducker KO 2 (4), 0:24 10 Sep 2016 The O2 Arena, London, England
3 Win 3–0 Lukas Radic KO 1 (4), 2:31 25 Jun 2016 The O2 Arena, London, England
2 Win 2–0 Luke Keleher PTS 4 28 May 2016 The SSE Hydro, Glasgow, Scotland
1 Win 1–0 Ivailo Boyanov TKO 1 (4), 2:07 9 Apr 2016 The O2 Arena, London, England

References

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  1. ^ "Results for England & Wales Births 1837–2006". findmypast.co.uk. Retrieved 27 September 2016.
  2. ^ Machell, Ben. "Boxer Conor Benn: why I've followed my father, Nigel, into the ring". The Times. ISSN 0140-0460. Retrieved 12 June 2021.
  3. ^ a b "Conor Benn On The Future, His Ink and Growing Up With 'The Dark Destroyer'". www.vice.com. 30 June 2017. Retrieved 12 June 2021.
  4. ^ Mitchell, Kevin (5 April 2016). "Conor Benn ready to emerge from the shadows of his father". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
  5. ^ Walker, Richard (24 June 2022). "Conor Benn; from Privilege to Pure Power… - SCTR Youth culture content". SCTR. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
  6. ^ "Trainer on Conor Benn".
  7. ^ "Dad ruins moment with weird kiss". Retrieved 25 September 2016.
  8. ^ Marshall, Tyrone (28 May 2016). "Conor Benn made to work to maintain unbeaten start to pro career". mirror. Retrieved 15 February 2020.
  9. ^ Frost, Sam. "Conor Benn marches on with KO win at the O2". Kilburn Times. Retrieved 15 February 2020.
  10. ^ "Golovkin vs Brook: Conor Benn defeated Joe Ducker by second-round TKO". Sky Sports. 11 September 2016. Retrieved 25 September 2016.
  11. ^ "Conor Benn out-points Ross Jameson over six rounds on Manchester debut". Sky Sports. 24 September 2016. Retrieved 25 September 2016.
  12. ^ "Conor Benn gets shillings, out of November 26 fight". 23 November 2016. Retrieved 5 December 2016.
  13. ^ "Joshua-Molina – Conor Benn added to card". 1 December 2016. Retrieved 5 December 2016.
  14. ^ "Conor Benn will fight Steven Backhouse on packed Manchester bill". Sky Sports. 6 December 2016. Retrieved 6 December 2016.
  15. ^ "Conor Benn scores a first round win". British Boxing News. 10 December 2016. Retrieved 10 December 2016.
  16. ^ Ltd, Vitalnetwork. "Vital Boxing | Conor Benn Set for Ring Return". www.vitalboxing.com. Retrieved 4 June 2017.
  17. ^ "Buglioni vs Summers: Conor Benn made an explosive return to the ring at London's O2 Arena". Sky Sports. Retrieved 2 July 2017.
  18. ^ "NXTGEN: Joshua Buatsi, Lawrence Okolie and Joe Cordina feature on stacked London bill this Friday". Sky Sports. Retrieved 3 September 2017.
  19. ^ "Joshua Buatsi Stops Baptiste Castegnaro, Conor Benn Wins – Boxing News". boxingscene.com. September 2017. Retrieved 3 September 2017.
  20. ^ "Conor Benn Pumped To Return on Crolla vs. Burns Card – Boxing News". boxingscene.com. 20 September 2017. Retrieved 20 September 2017.
  21. ^ "Conor Benn Drops, Stops Nathan Clarke on Crolla-Burns Card – Boxing News". boxingscene.com. 7 October 2017. Retrieved 8 October 2017.
  22. ^ "Crolla vs Burns: Conor Benn stops Nathan Clarke inside one round in Manchester". Sky Sports. Retrieved 8 October 2017.
  23. ^ "Conor Benn Knocks Out Sanudo With Body Shot in 2nd Round - Boxing News". www.boxingscene.com. 11 November 2017. Retrieved 12 November 2017.
  24. ^ "Taylor vs McCaskill: Conor Benn knocked down twice but out-points Cedrick Peynaud". Sky Sports. Retrieved 13 December 2017.
  25. ^ "Conor Benn Gets Eliminator, Singh vs. Fielding - BBBofC Notices". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 14 January 2018.
  26. ^ "Conor Benn Set To Return on Khan vs. Lo Greco Card". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 29 January 2018.
  27. ^ "Khan vs Lo Greco: Conor Benn will make his Liverpool debut on Amir Khan undercard". Sky Sports. Retrieved 29 January 2018.
  28. ^ "Conor Benn Inks Two Year Promotional Deal With Eddie Hearn". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 6 February 2018.
  29. ^ "Khan vs Lo Greco: Conor Benn destroys Chris Truman in ring return". Sky Sports. Retrieved 23 April 2018.
  30. ^ "Brook vs. Cook, Taylor vs. Connor Added To July 28 London Card". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 20 June 2018.
  31. ^ "Whyte vs Parker: Kell Brook, Katie Taylor and Conor Benn on Whyte-Parker bill on Sky Sports Box Office". Sky Sports. Retrieved 20 June 2018.
  32. ^ Ringside. "Regional WBA belt added to Conor Benn v Cedric Peynaud rematch". WBN - World Boxing News. Retrieved 24 July 2018.
  33. ^ "Whyte vs Parker: Conor Benn beats Cedrick Peynaud in rematch to win first title". Sky Sports. Retrieved 30 July 2018.
  34. ^ "Conor Benn Drops, Decisions Cedrick Peynaud in Rematch". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 30 July 2018.
  35. ^ Christ, Scott (21 June 2019). "Benn vs Koivula results: Conor Benn wins, Ted Cheeseman goes to draw with Kieron Conway". Bad Left Hook. Retrieved 11 June 2021.
  36. ^ Christ, Scott (26 October 2019). "Conor Benn stops Steve Jamoye in fourth round". Bad Left Hook. Retrieved 11 June 2021.
  37. ^ Christ, Scott (21 November 2020). "Conor Benn impresses in step-up win over Sebastian Formella". Bad Left Hook. Retrieved 22 November 2020.
  38. ^ "Benn stuns Vargas with first-round KO". BBC Sport. Retrieved 11 June 2021.
  39. ^ "Khan vs Vargas: Amir Khan climbs off canvas to beat Samuel Vargas". Sky Sports. Retrieved 11 June 2021.
  40. ^ Khan, Amir. "Amir Khan response to Conor Benn". Twitter. Archived from the original on 11 April 2021. Retrieved 11 June 2021.
  41. ^ "Conor Benn signs new 5-year deal with Matchroom, faces Adrian Granados on July 31st". Boxing News 24. 14 June 2021. Retrieved 14 June 2021.
  42. ^ Benson, Michael (29 July 2021). "Conor Benn tests positive for COVID, ruled out of fight with Adrian Granados". talkSPORT. Retrieved 29 July 2021.
  43. ^ "Connor Benn vs. Adrian Granados rescheduled for September 4th | DAZN News UK". DAZN. 14 August 2021. Retrieved 14 August 2021.
  44. ^ Lewis, Ron (4 September 2021). "Conor Benn Powers Past Adrian Granados To Unanimous Decision Win". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 4 September 2021.
  45. ^ "Conor Benn to face Chris Algieri in December | DAZN News UK". DAZN. 7 November 2021. Retrieved 7 November 2021.
  46. ^ Lewis, Ron (5 October 2022). "British Boxing Board of Control Won't Allow Eubank-Benn Bout To Move Forward". Boxing Scene. Retrieved 5 October 2022.
  47. ^ "Conor Benn v Chris Eubank Jr fight postponed". BBC Sport. 6 October 2022. Retrieved 6 October 2022.
  48. ^ "Ukad provisionally suspends Benn for doping violation". BBC Sport. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
  49. ^ "Conor Benn defeats Rodolfo Orozco on points as British fighter ends absence of over a year from boxing". Sky Sports. Retrieved 26 September 2023.
  50. ^ Iskenderov, Parviz (4 February 2024). "Conor Benn takes decision against Peter Dobson in full 12-round fight in Las Vegas". FIGHTMAG.
  51. ^ "Ukad provisionally suspends Benn for doping violation". BBC Sport. Retrieved 26 September 2023.
  52. ^ "Ukad appeals against Benn doping ruling". BBC Sport. Retrieved 26 September 2023.
  53. ^ "Conor Benn portrays dad Nigel Benn in 'Rise of the Footsoldier 4: Marbella' movie". World Boxing News. 28 October 2019. Retrieved 11 January 2021.
  54. ^ Benson, Michael (9 April 2021). "Watch as Conor Benn speaks fluent Spanish to trash talk opponent in face-off". talkSPORT. Retrieved 12 June 2021.
  55. ^ @conorbennofficial (3 October 2021). "Up the Hammers ⚒ #westham". Retrieved 23 September 2022 – via Instagram.
[edit]
Sporting positions
Regional boxing titles
Vacant WBA Continental (Europe)
welterweight champion
28 July 2018 – ?
Vacated 		Vacant
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