Conor Benn failed to land a knockout for the first time since August 2021 after returning from seventeen months out of action.
The Londoner put ten rounds in the bank after getting more than he bargained for against a tough Rodolfo Orozco in Orlando, Florida.
Moving to 22-0, Benn had to settle for a decision almost exactly two years after his last unanimous win over ten rounds against Adrian Granados in Leeds, UK.
Benn showed little signs of ring rust as he tangled in the ring for the first time since controversy erupted over two failed drug tests. He landed heavy artillery on Orozco early, buckling the legs of the Mexican in the third round.
Orozco absorbed that punishment and more throughout the ten rounds. However, he had his own successes against Benn and personified that toughness synonymous with fighters from Mexico.
The rugged super welterweight was able to provide a test of Benn’s own durability and punch resistance. The Brit made sure of victory with scorecards of 99-91 twice and 96-94.
In the aftermath, “The Destroyer” considered it a good night’s work after enduring ‘hell’ over the last year outside the ring.
Conor Benn gets rounds in ten-round decision win
“We didn’t want a walk in the park,” said Benn. “I needed the rounds after eighteen [seventeen] months out. He’s a true Mexican, the first Mexican I’ve fought. We knew he was durable.
“Credit to him, he’s never been stopped before. He’s one tough man, and I hope he progresses.”
Continuing on the fact Orozco was Mexican, Benn added: “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.”
Asked whether he wants to fight at home despite the possibility of a temporary suspension being overturned due to an appeal by the British Board, Benn replied: “Britain is my home.
“It’s only right I fight back there, sooner rather than later.”
Should the Board successfully win its challenge to the National Anti-Doping Panel lifting the ban, Benn will again face time out of the ring until his case is concluded.
Many involved in the sport believe Benn should never have been allowed to fight until his name is fully cleared.
There was controversy about the second Brit on the card earlier in the night. Sandy Ryan’s Welterweight unification clash with Chicago’s Jessica McCaskill ended in a split draw.
The judges scored 97-93 McCaskill, 96-94 Ryan, and 95-95. Both fighters felt they had done enough to win. They called for it to be run back in an immediate rematch.
