Sean Gibbons, MP promotions representative and manager in his own right, is currently involved in trying to negotiate a welterweight return for Manny Pacquiao. Conor Benn is the leading candidate to land that opportunity following his recent clearance from the WBC to return to the WBC welterweight rankings. However, it should be noted that Benn is still currently under investigation by the British Boxing Board of Control for his anti-doping issues for the substance Clomiphene. Despite the WBC clearance, it is the BBBofC that can administer a long-term suspension if it sees fit.
Gibbons speaking to fighthype.com, was in a confident mood regarding the possibility of a Manny Pacquiao vs Conor Benn encounter.
"They are not rumours, we are having a discussion, but there is a long way to go (about confirmation). Would people like to see Manny in the ring? Yeah, Conor Benn, Yeah.
"It's two big names which have just been thrown out there, and it is kinda where it is at currently. It is an idea which Eddie Hearn has had, which Manny was interested in and was up for it. The WBC then cleared Conor for his test issues because Manny wouldn't fight him if he wasnt cleared by the WBC. If it can happen, it will be a fun fight."
In response to being asked about the WBC investigation into Conor's issues with anti-doping failures and the probability of the fight being made.
"All i can say is that it is confusing. I don't know about the 270-page report, i don't know about the eggs but i know he has been cleared, and i have to give him the benefit of the doubt.
"I think the fight is a bit better than 50/50 (in regards to being made and agreed) i would say 60/40 that it gets made. If it gets made, it will probably head towards the middle east somewhere."
