Boxing: According to promoter Ben-Shalom, Chris Kongo might put Conor Benn “on notice” by knocking out his fellow British welterweight’s former opponent Sebastian Formella.
On the undercard of Richard Riakporhe’s IBF cruiserweight title eliminator versus Fabio Turchi, Londoner Kongo will fight Germany’s Formella at the OVO Arena in Wembley on June 11.
Formella’s only losses thus far have come against Benn and Shawn Porter, both of whom were unable to stop him within the distance.
Kongo is trying to force his way into world title contention after signing with BOXXER and believes that having the opportunity to fight more frequently would help him achieve his goals.
“I think Chris has to make a statement,” Shalom told Sky Sports News. “This is definitely a really tough fight. No one has ever stopped Formella, he’s very, very stubborn.
“I think it would put Conor Benn on notice.”
Benn (21-0) has put together a string of impressive performances, but his last nine fights have all been against foreign opponents, according to Shalom, who believes the 25-year-old would benefit from a domestic opponent.
“I think unfortunately we’ve not really seen Conor in any domestic fights so far, and I think that’s what he’s crying out for,” Shalom said.
“We’re seeing it now with Josh Buatsi and Craig Richards, we’ve seen it with Chris Eubank Jr and Liam Williams, Josh Taylor and Jack Catterall – domestic bouts are what the fans want to see.
“I think that’s what takes you up another level in terms of respect and in terms of notoriety and I think at some point Conor should be looking at fighting the British guys, and hopefully Chris Kongo is going to be in the mix after this fight.
