Conor Benn admits he “fears losing” as he prepares to begin his 2022 campaign in Manchester on Saturday night.
The welterweight, who defends his unblemished record against South African Chris van Heerden, plans to challenge for a world title this year.
Benn, 25, has become a big star in the last 18 months and admitted the prospect of a first defeat scares him.
“I actually fear losing. I don’t know I’d handle it,” Benn told BBC Sport.
“If you look at the start of my career, I was an excited puppy in every interview. I was a kid who thought he was a man.
“I’d knock a guy out and I’d be up with the fairies. And now it’s like I’m more passionate. So much depends on me winning now, people see raw emotion.
Benn, the son of boxing legend Nigel Benn, admitted his own success has surprised him.
“I still can’t believe it. Never did I think I’d be where I am now,” he said.
“I got a little bit scared thinking ‘how am I so far ahead from [my pro debut] when it just feels like yesterday?’.
“I feel like I’ve lived a whole life already.
“In terms of my family, the life I’ve provided for them and for myself, being mortgage free, being top five in every [boxing] governing body, selling out arenas – all these things. You’re always on the chase and the hunt.”
