Conor Benn is being backed to repeat the heroics of Filip Hrgovic by Keith Connelly, who manages them both.
Benn tackles WBC welterweight boss Ryan Garcia on September 12 in Las Vegas, a fight which will come exactly a fortnight after Hrgovic stunned Moses Itauma in London to win the vacant IBF heavyweight strap.
Hrgovic was bloodied and bruised by the rapier fists of Itauma and was losing widely on all three scorecards going into the ninth. But the young Briton alarmingly faded and, when clearly exhausted, was rescued by the referee.
Hrgovic is 34 years old, a former Olympian known for his durability, and one of the most experienced campaigners in the weight class.
Benn, however, hasn’t fought at welterweight since 2022 and is in the midst of dropping down in weight. His durability once he gets there is unknown.
Connelly isn’t concerned.
“It’s going to be exactly the same [as Hrgovic’s method of victory over Itauma],” he told SunSport. “My guy’s going to be in tremendous shape.
“Ryan Garcia is a great fighter, but my guy’s going to bully him. He’s going to bully him all over the ring.
“He might lose some rounds like Filip did, but he’s going to wear him out and knock him out.”
