Friday 13 November 2020 10:23, UK
Conor Benn can't wait to box back in York Hall jungle after his "nightmare" American debut.
The unbeaten 21-year-old takes on Cedrick Peynaud over six rounds on Wednesday night, as part of a packed undercard for the Katie Taylor vs Jessica McCaskill world title fight, live on Sky Sports.
Benn announced himself to the US with a devastating second-round knockout of Mexican Brandon Sanudo in New York, just over a month ago.
'The Destroyer', whose legendary father, Nigel Benn, had to wait until his 24th fight to box in America, was proud of his performance in the iconic Nassau Coliseum, but was just happy to get through a nasty skin and swelling reaction to some colouring dye in the build-up.
I couldn't run, I couldn't train, I couldn't do the pads, I was so unfit, I couldn't sleep. My skin was burning, my face was just all puffed up.
"I had a severe reaction and it got worse and worse and worse," he exclusively told Sky Sports.
"It started on Monday and I was hoping it would go down on Tuesday, but it didn't so I went to emergency and they gave me something but that didn't work," he said.
"Come Wednesday I had to go to a skin specialist as another emergency, he gave me some cream and by Thursday it literally went down.
"Thursday I knew I was going to fight, but it was a nightmare build-up. I couldn't run, I couldn't train, I couldn't do the pads, I was so unfit, I couldn't sleep. My skin was burning, my face was just all puffed up.
"It took me until the last day to realise I was actually out in New York boxing. I didn't really realise because my face was such a state, I didn't really leave the hotel.
"I got a good reception when I walked out. It was a beautiful arena and a great experience, but I am in no rush to go back there. I like fighting in the UK."
Benn will be joined by gym-mates Joe Cordina, Martin J Ward, Ted Cheeseman and Felix Cash, as well as Lawrence Okolie, Jake Ball and potential welterweight rival Josh Kelly, on a bustling night at the home of British boxing.
It will be his fifth fight in as many months since being sidelined by a broken jaw at the start of 2017 but after headlining in Bethnal Green in July, Benn is looking forward to his return.
"It's a great way to end the year, back in the jungle," he said.
"York Hall is York Hall. You can box anywhere, but there is something about that place.
"I do need to get some rounds under my belt as I am still learning and progressing, but we are talking about York Hall... I will take him out.
"It doesn't matter to me who I am in against. It's in the jungle, I will go in there and do the business, then go home."
Watch Benn vs Peynaud on the undercard to Taylor vs McCaskill, from York Hall, on Wednesday night, live on Sky Sports Action, from 6.00pm.
