After nearly a year out of the ring, Conor Benn with will face off against Sebastian Formella of Germany. The WBA Continental welterweight title matchup takes place on Saturday 21 November on the undercard of Dillian Whyte's rematch against Alexander Povetkin.
Conor Benn to face Sebastian Formella
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Matchroom Boxing has announced Germany's Sebastian Formella as Conor Benn's opponent for the Povetkin-Whyte undercard
Benn hasn't fought since stopping Belgium's Stephane Jamoye at the O2 in October of last year. The fight for Benn's WBA Continental (Europe) welterweight title took place on the undercard of the World Boxing Super Series semi-final and super-lightweight unification between Regis Prograis and Josh Taylor.
Benn got rid of Jamoye in the fourth round - continuing a run of good form that he's been on since setting the record straight with Cedrick Peynaud in 2018. The previous year, Peynaud had given Benn his toughest test to date in a 6 round war in which many thought Benn was fortunate to get the decision. Second time around, a renewed Conor Benn dealt with Peynaud in a much more decisive fashion.
Benn's record currently stands at 16-0, with 11 wins coming by way of knockout.
Who is Sebastian Formella
Formella represents a significant step-up in competition for Benn. He holds a record of 22 wins from 23 fights - his only loss coming a few months back by way of a unanimous decision against world-class welterweight, Shawn Porter.While he currently fights at welterweight, Formella has fought at light-middleweight and middleweight and has previously held the IBO welterweight title.
On paper, Formella could be a real problem for Benn - he's more experienced, has mixed at a higher level, is bigger, has fought in heavier weight classes, and had the opportunity to shake off some ring rust against Porter back in August. It's a risky move from Conor and his team, but one that will see his stock rise considerably should he pull it off.