Conor Benn: Floyd Mayweather won't be able to save Ashley Theophane

Undefeated British welterweight Conor Benn has sent a message to veteran boxer Ashley Theophane.

Benn expressed confidence in his ability to put down the former WBA junior welterweight title contender while also recognising the threat Theophane would pose to him in the ring.

Theophane spent five years under Mayweather Promotions and was a regular in Floyd Mayweather’s camp before parting ways in 2018. “Treasure” has since embarked on his own world tour, fighting eight times in as many different countries, including Ghana, Dubai and Mexico.
Benn has suggested that Mayweather's advice might help the 39-year-old in the early going but claims that if their prospective fight goes beyond six rounds, he will have the measure of the former British champion.

"They may help him for the first six rounds, but then when it gets past six, I'll kick straight into gear," Benn told Sky Sports when asked about Mayweather's influence on Theophane.

"It would be a right hand straight over the top of his shoulder roll, followed by a naughty left hook to the body, left hook to the head. Slip his jab, right uppercut.

"When push comes to the shove, I know I can take it, and I know I can give it, so it don't really bother me. I'll rise to the occasion."

There is some suggestion that the 23-year-old Benn is attempting to pad his resume by taking on a fighter past his peak. Still, the second generation Benn is adamant Theophane would offer his toughest test yet.
"I rate him as a fighter," he said. "He's an experienced, seasoned pro.

"It would be a hard fight, a hard night's work, but I fancy my chances. I just think I'll be too explosive. If we stood there in the middle, I'd get four shots off before he even knows it.

"Is it too soon for me, or is he way past it? The difference between Theophane and all these other bods calling me out is he's got good credentials, and credentials that I want to take.

"You get in the ring, and you fight these fighters, you're not only just fighting them and beating them, you're gaining knowledge and experience."

Benn looking to beat father's record

Before Benn can step into the ring with Theophane, he has a British and Commonwealth title fight against Welshman Chris Jenkins.

“The Destroyer” hopes to be able to get one up on his famous father Nigel by claiming both belts in his 17th professional fight.

"We're hoping the board [will] sanction me and Chris Jenkins. I'm mandatory," said Benn.
"My dad won the Commonwealth in his 17th fight, so for me winning the British and Commonwealth in my 17th fight, I'd have one over my dad.

"That's the dream, if I could do that by my 17th fight."

Benn currently holds the WBA Continental (Europe) welterweight belt after beating Cedrick Peynaud in their rematch to claim the then-vacant title in July 2018. He successfully defended the strap twice in 2019 stopping Jussi Koivula and Steve Jamoye.