Conor Benn Opens Up About Trauma from School Believing He Was Possessed by Demons
Conor Benn has come forward about his childhood experiences that significantly impacted his mental health. He attended a strict religious school that believed he was possessed by demons, which left him grappling with trauma. Acknowledging his struggles, Benn highlighted how these early beliefs contributed to his mental scars.
Childhood Trauma and Religious Beliefs
Benn’s family moved to Majorca in 2002 after his father, former world champion Nigel Benn, sought a fresh start. Raised in a mansion, Conor and his siblings attended a fundamentalist Christian school where they were told he had demons inside him. This connection to his school left him confused and traumatized, as he reflected on how children can be influenced by authority figures.
“Growing up, it was just very religious. The school believed I had demons in me,” Benn shared in an interview. “That was really hard to understand.” He often questioned himself, feeling unworthy and flawed.
Benn’s Journey to Recovery
As he grew older, Benn sought solace in faith and began addressing his personal challenges, including struggles with addiction and mental health. He openly discussed the pain he experienced, including a suicide attempt that stemmed from these pressures.
Despite these hardships, Benn’s relationship with his father took a turn for the better through mutual honesty and emotional vulnerability. “We’ve cried hand-in-hand and cuddled,” he said, emphasizing the healing process they went through together.
Boxing Career and Current Challenges
After moving to Australia at 18, Benn began boxing at an amateur level, achieving notable success with 20 wins out of 22 bouts. He later returned to England and turned professional in 2016 at the age of 19, with his father often by his side despite their complicated background.
- Professional Debut: 2016
- Notable Wins: 20 out of 22 amateur fights
Benn was set for a high-profile rematch against Chris Eubank Jr. in October 2022 after a contentious first bout, where Benn lost by points. However, he faced significant setbacks when he tested positive for a banned substance, which led to provisional suspensions from boxing authorities.
Support and Redemption
During his struggle, Benn highlighted the role of his father in his recovery process. “I couldn’t have done it without my dad,” he admitted, recalling the emotional toll it took on both of them. Their bond was crucial as he navigated through mental health challenges and the pressures of being in the boxing spotlight.
Now, as he prepares for his rematch with Eubank Jr., Conor Benn aims to entertain his supporters and prove himself in the ring. “Every time I get in the ring, I give everything I have,” he stated, recognizing the weight of public expectations but also committing to his passion for the sport.
