EDDIE HEARN has opened the door to Manny Pacquaio fighting Conor Benn after holding talks.
Pacquiao stated his intention to return to boxing following a failed presidential election in the Philippines.
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Manny Pacquiao is eyeing a boxing comebackCredit: Ryan Hafey / Premier Boxing Champions
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Conor Benn could fight Manny Pacquiao in his returnCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
And Hearn could be ready to take Benn global if the welterweight is cleared of anti-doping violations.
And now promoter Hearn admitted tentative negotiations have taken place with the Filipino icon.
He told Boxing King Media: “I would not be surprised to see Conor Benn fight Manny Pacquaio next.
“But, it’s not signed, there’s been a couple of discussions, minor discussions.”
Pacquiao announced his retirement after losing to Yordenis Ugas, 36, in August 2021.
But he returned in a December exhibition in South Korea against YouTuber and martial arts expert DK Yoo.
Pacquiao, 44, has since revealed plans to make a boxing comeback and is set to fight again in Japan.
Meanwhile Benn, 26, is fighting to clear his name after failing two drug tests before his proposed catchweight clash with Chris Eubank Jr, 33.
He insists he is close to clearing his name with the WBC – who decided against taking any action against the July and September red flags.
But he remains in a dispute with the British Boxing Board of Control, who axed his October fight with Eubank.
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Promoter Eddie Hearn with Conor BennCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
