"The rivalry is there, the fight can happen whenever."
Monday 15 April 2019 16:21, UK
Conor Benn recognises the growing demand for a domestic clash with Josh Kelly and insists he will be ready to settle their welterweight rivalry.
The unbeaten duo feature on this Saturday's bill at The O2, live on Sky Sports, as Benn makes his long-awaited return from a hand injury, while Kelly defends his WBA international title against Przemyslaw Runowski.
Talk of a fight with Kelly does not faze the 22-year-old, who understands why he continues to be linked with a fellow 147lbs prospect, and 'The Destroyer' is willing to face the former Team GB fighter in the future.
Everyone keeps thinking I keep calling him out, I don't. It just keeps getting brought up, because there's so much interest, and that's that.
Asked whether the Kelly fight is generating excitement, Benn told Sky Sports: "Of course it is, that's why it keeps getting brought up.
"Everyone keeps thinking I keep calling him out, I don't. It just keeps getting brought up, because there's so much interest, and that's that.
"The rivalry is there, the fight can happen whenever."
Benn does not feel any fresh expectation to deliver another explosive performance, even though he is sharing the stage with the Sunderland man.
"I'm not really bothered," he said. "I haven't even really thought about that, to be honest.
"I'm obviously going to go in there, do what I've got to do, and put on a performance for the supporters."
Benn's enforced break from the sport has allowed him to refine his technique and he remains confident about his ability to climb the rankings in a hotly contested division.
"I'm only going to come back more improved, more calculated, and it's about working on a lot of things, come fight night," he said. "Not just going in there to try and blow them out.
"I'm only going to get better with age, more maturity, perfecting your ring craft.
"It's not something that just happens overnight. I'm only going to get better."
On a packed evening of action, David Allen battles former WBA champion Lucas Browne, while fellow heavyweight Derek Chisora collides with Senad Gashi, and Joe Cordina takes on Andy Townend for the vacant British lightweight title.
Watch the return of Conor Benn on The O2 bill, including David Allen versus Lucas Browne, Derek Chisora against Senad Gashi, Josh Kelly and Joe Cordina on Saturday, from 7pm on Sky Sports Action.
