Derek Santos states his case for why he thinks Conor Benn was cheating
Conor Benn has been at the centre of controversy ever since he failed a drug test on April 3rd 2023 for use of Clomifene.
Derek Santos – trainer of Benn’s former opponent Chris Algieri has since slammed Benn since his comeback and has proclaimed that he will never be a World Champion.
Speaking to Crypto Casinos, Santos said:
“Conor Benn is nowhere near the fighter he was when he knocked out Algieri – he was definitely cheating!
“Under different circumstances, the fight with Chris would have gone differently, look at Manny Pacquiao, an eight time world champion, he dropped Chris several times and every time he got up. All of a sudden, this guy who is not known to be a knockout puncher, knocks him out completely.
“People really need to look at the facts, Conor Benn knocked out Chris Algieri and Chris van Heerden, two guys who had only been stopped once each in 30 plus fights.
“Since his failed test he’s had two fights in America and he doesn’t look anything like the killing machine he did against Chris, he’s no longer knocking anybody down. Where’s the explosiveness gone? Why is there such a drastic difference?
“In his last two fights, he has gone the distance against lesser fighters than Chris, which in itself speaks volumes. With no disrespect to them, they were lesser fighters than the ones he was knocking out.
“The performance element, and we’re making estimations here, points to the fact that he was very likely cheating.”
Santos then stated he wouldn’t wish for Benn to be removed from boxing altogether, “Do I think he’s arrogant and stupid, yes, but I don’t condone a lifetime ban for anyone on their first strike. But I wouldn’t mind a second strike scenario like that. A two year ban at this stage is right.
“I’d like to think that the United States commissions will abide by whatever ban the British Boxing board of control hands down, if they do ban him.”
Santos continued to twist the knife in by shutting down the Brit’s chances of ever becoming a world champ, “He is a fringe world level fighter, I don’t think Benn will become world champion. He will put butts on seats from the business point of view, but I don’t see him beating any of the champions at 140 or 147.”