Conor Benn is already at world level, according to his training partner and unbeaten boxer Jordan Flynn.
The 20-0 welterweight has become one of Britain's top prospects, but his promoter Eddie Hearn has decided to take his time as he builds the boxer's record and profile before launching him to the top of boxing. This has frustrated Benn at times, who has on multiple occasions called for a major step-up in competition.
And ahead of his return to the ring this weekend against Chris van Heerden, Benn's training partner Jordan Flynn has told of how he has already shown behind-the-scenes his ability to compete at the highest level in boxing. Flynn and Benn train out of the Matchroom Gym, where they are both preparing for fights in the coming weeks.
"I think this will be another demolishing performance for Conor," said Flynn, who is preparing for a fight of his own on May 7 against journeyman Rustem Fatkhullin at the Kent Showground. "The way he works in the gym, he works like an animal.
"He should win, he should walk through the guy but it's a good test, good learning fight for him at this stage of his career to take him to that world level. He really shows you as a fighter the level you need to be working at in order to get to that level of boxing. We're training together day-in-day-out, be that runs, boxing sessions, sparring we're always together.
"People don't realise how hard it is day-in and day-out, people want to join our gym and think that it's easy or it's fun. When you're in there it's horrible, every day is so hard and you need to have dedication, that's why Conor or any of the other guys go far because of the work we all put in."
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Flynn, undefeated in his own professional career at 4-0, has been training with Benn for years, and has also sparred top fighters such as Felix Cash and Michael Conlan. And he ranks Benn amongst the top boxers he has trained with, saying that the son of legendary former two-weight world champion Nigel has what it takes to compete at world level as of right now.
"People don't understand how hard he works," Flynn reiterated. "He doesn't work like a human being, he's like an animal. So you could definitely chuck him in there and he would do well against any of these guys, even right now. With a couple of more fights and a little bit more time for sure he'll be taking these guys out and beating them."
And he is predicting an explosive finish, adding: "I think there's going to be a stoppage between rounds six and eight. The guy is quite durable, clever and experienced so he could take Conor a few rounds. But I wouldn't be surprised if Conor takes him out early."
