Olympic gold medallist Luke Campbell has made clear he would abandon his retirement to take on Conor Benn at the first opportunity, dismissing the welterweight's recent criticism of his performance against Ryan Garcia.
Campbell claimed the 2012 London Games gold medal and went on to forge an impressive professional career that saw him share the ring with elite operators including Vasiliy Lomachenko and Ryan Garcia. His final bout came in January 2021 against Garcia, after which he retired aged 33.
Benn's disparaging remarks about Campbell's showing in that Garcia contest have reignited the former champion's competitive fire. Speaking to Sky Sports, Campbell explained the appeal of stepping back into the ring.
Once it's in your blood, it's in your blood. I'm not officially making a comeback, but I'm in training as always and if there was an opportunity that presented itself then I would take it.
Campbell, who now serves as mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire, acknowledged that boxing remains a constant presence in his thoughts despite his time away from competition.
I still think about it. There's combinations flying through my head all the time. Not as much it used to but still. I think boxing's one of the only sports that brings you in the present moment. Your mind can't afford to drift backwards or forwards. You've got to be in the moment.
When asked directly whether he would accept a fight with Benn, Campbell's response was unequivocal.
100 percent. If it came my way, definitely. I haven't called anyone out. He was insulting me and I just responded to that. Everything's gone from there really. I would definitely entertain it.
The exchange between the two fighters gained traction on social media in April, when Campbell suggested Benn could serve as a suitable warm-up opponent, and Campbell has since reiterated that a return is a genuine possibility if the right offer materialises.
Campbell's Assessment of Benn
Despite having spent nearly four years away from professional boxing, Campbell expressed confidence in his ability to defeat Benn. The former lightweight is convinced the outcome would mirror what transpired when Benn faced Garcia.
I don't know what was going through his head or what level he thought he was at [when he fought Garcia]. I don't know what the boxing IQ was or what the game plan was. It would be the same result [with me as with Garcia], probably a knockout. I don't know if it would be two rounds but it would be the same result.
Campbell's confidence is bolstered by recent developments in Benn's career. Benn was stopped by Garcia in the second round of their September 12, 2026 fight in Las Vegas, with a right hand dropping him before the referee halted the contest. Benn's trainer Tony Sims confirmed the fighter will not return to welterweight following the defeat, signalling a move back up through the divisions.
Campbell's professional record stands at 20 wins, including 16 knockouts, and four losses, while Benn's record was reported as 25–2, with 14 knockouts, prior to the Garcia loss.
What Comes Next
Benn is expected to take a break and return to boxing in 2027, with no specific opponent or date yet confirmed for his comeback. Campbell, meanwhile, remains in training and has signalled his willingness to answer the call should a suitable matchup present itself.
