Returning to action, Benn defeats Orozco in Orlando

 

Rodolfo Orozco is defeated by Conor Benn in Orlando by a unanimous decision. The independent National Anti-Doping Panel remove

d Benn's temporary boxing suspension, but the British Boxing Board of Control and UK Anti-Doping filed an appeal against the ruling.Conor Benn, a British contender making a comeback to boxing after more than a year away, defeated Rodolfo Orozco on points.

After testing positive for a prohibited substance ahead of a scheduled fight with Chris Eubank Jr. in October 2022, Benn had been out from the ring since defeating Chris Algieri in April of last year.

Benn returned to boxing with a 10-round unanimous decision victory in Orlando after the British Boxing Board of Control and UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) filed an appeal against the independent National Anti-Doping Panel's decision to lift his interim suspension.Orozco, who had won 32 of his 38 fights, maintained his composure in the face of some hard shots from Benn, who was competing at a higher weight of around 154 pounds and had never been stopped in his career.

The unbeaten 26-year-old threw a barrage of nasty combinations, but he was unable to locate the decisive blow to end Orozco's tenacious defense.

"We didn't want a walk in the park. I needed the rounds after 18 months out," said Benn after sealing the win with scores of 99-91, 99-91 and 96-94 at Caribe Royale Orlando.

"He's a true Mexican, my first Mexican I've fought, and we knew he was durable. Credit to him, he's never been stopped before and he's one tough man and I hope he progres"They are stronger and take shots more. I don't think there was ring rust, I was going through the gears after going through hell.

"Britain is my home and it's only right I fight back there, sooner rather than later."

Benn moves to 22 victories, with 14 stoppages and could return to welterweight (147lbs), or pursue a rescheduled bout against Eubank Jr.ses.