Conor Benn looking to take another step toward world title fight against Adrian Granados

Rising welterweight hopeful Conor Benn will headline Matchroom’s first Fight Camp show of 2021 this coming Saturday on DAZN (July 31, 2 pm ET), facing veteran Adrian Granados in a 12-round welterweight fight.

Benn (18-0, 12 KO) is coming off of a first round stoppage win over Samuel Vargas in April, and is moving close to a possible world title fight, which remains his clear goal.

“Do I believe I can win a world title? 100 percent,” Benn said. “There will always be critics. There will always be naysayers. It’s impossible for them because that’s their mindset. That’s why they sit on social media projecting their faults. I don’t think anything is impossible. If I wanted to switch and do whatever it is — it could be absolutely anything — I’ll make it successful. It’s not just boxing. It’s my mindset, it’s what I do.

“I’ve had a target on my back ever since I turned pro because my dad is Nigel Benn. It’s as simple as that. ‘The Dark Destroyer,’ the legend. People like to call me silver spoon, but I’ve chosen the hardest sport in the world. I don’t have to be here. I have everything to lose. I’m a winner – all round. Of course I want the big fights. I want to be the best fighter in Britain – which I believe I am. The rankings don’t lie and I’m number one.”

Of course, sanctioning body rankings lie all the time, but that is neither here nor there. Benn’s real point and focus is clear, and he wants to get through Granados (21-8-3, 15 KO) impressively and make a statement.

“We’ve seen all of the Mexicans come over around derail some of the Brits. It’s about time I set the score straight,” he said. “Granados presents a different struggle. He’s saying he wants to box and all of that. Alright then, mate, try me.

“He can prepare for King Kong, he can prepare for whoever he wants, it doesn’t bother me. Do what you’ve got to do. Do what you want. Prepare how you want. It isn’t going to make any difference come fight night. I’m up for it more than ever, I’m hungrier now more than ever, and if he thinks I’m going to let him get in the way of me getting my world title he’s got another thing coming, that’s for sure.”