Conor Benn is far from impressed with Rio 2016 Olympian Josh Kelly, who in his last fight had fought to a draw with Ray Robinson.
The bout with Robinson took place at Madison Square Garden in New York City, as part of the June 1 undercard to Anthony Joshua vs. Andy Ruiz.
"I didn't really rate [Kelly's fight with Robinson]. Why? Too much showboating. Not enough work. You've got to get the balance right. He can't bang. And he was a stone [overweight] the day before the weigh-in. But when you fight someone with a good engine who wants to target your body because you lost a stone overnight? Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard. Would I say that I'm the most talented? No. But so far I've proven that I'm willing to work hard for what I want," Benn detailed to Sky Sports.
Benn, an undefeated welterweight with a 15-0 record and 10 knockouts, believes his style and power would present a major problem for Kelly.
"It's alright looking slick when you're fighting someone who isn't an explosive fighter," Benn said.
"I carry my power even at my weakest. I was 21 at the time of the Cedrick Peynaud fight. How old is Josh Kelly? 25. He can't break an egg shell."
Benn would be willing to face Kelly as soon as possible, but admits the contest would become a much bigger opportunity if the two of them continue to win and build their respective records.
"I'd take that fight tomorrow. It makes my mouth water, thinking about that fight, because I think he's built for me. It would be bigger down the line, and that's understandable, but I wouldn't shy away," Benn said.
