Boxer who felt Benn’s relentless rise to top
MIDLANDS AREA TITLE HOPEFUL RELIVES HIS BRUISING ENCOUNTER WITH ‘THE DESTROYER’
THE rise of Conor Benn has shocked many in boxing – but not Joe Ducker, writes Matt Bozeat .
There’s talk of Benn fighting fourweight world champion Adrien Broner before the end of the year, following a career-best win over, Adrian Granados on Saturday night.
He has come a long since he battled Ducker in London five years ago.
At that stage, Benn, the son of ring legend Nigel, was a raw novice struggling to convince ringsiders he had a future at the highest level.
Ducker says that after spending three minutes, 24 seconds in the ring with The Destroyer, he knew his opponent was heading to the top.
“People always ask me about Conor Benn and I tell them ‘I’ve never had anyone like him in front of me before,’” said the 36-year-old, from Loughborough, remembering the two-round defeat.
“I’ve been hit harder, but there was something different about him. “His instincts were different. “Once he caught me, he didn’t let up. He threw another big shot, then another, than another.
“I’ve been in with good lads and none of them did that the way Conor did.
“I always thought earlier in his career that people didn’t realise how much he had and he didn’t get enough credit. I hope he goes all the way.”
Ducker’s target is the vacant Midlands Area super-featherweight championship – and manager Carl Greaves hopes victory on his show at the Morningside Arena, in Leicester, on Saturday night will secure a shot at the vacant belt.
Ducker, whose F,
M and Willow Plumbing business is named after children Freddie, Maisie and Willow, will have Rendall Munroe in his corner this weekend.
Munroe fought for world honours in his career and Ducker said: “Rendall helps me out because he sees how much I put into training. “He achieved his dreams and now he’s helping me achieve mine. “I started boxing late and I’m going to carry on until I’ve found my level.”
I’ve been hit harder, but there was something different about him. His instincts were different