Conor Benn is reluctantly backing Josh Kelly to claim the European welterweight title from David Avanesyan on Saturday night.

The undefeated British duo have been locked in a war of words and Benn believes 26-year-old Kelly has his work cut out for him against Avanesyan at Wembley Arena.

But the Destroyer, who faces his toughest challenge yet against Samuel Vargas on April 10, wants his verbal sparring partner to come through unscathed to set up a domestic dust-up later this year.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "It's a hard fight but I back the Brit. I hope Kelly does the business. 

"If he lives up to the hype and praise that everyone gives him, he'll come through with flying colours and really show what he is made of. He will rise to the occasion.

"I've been calling for that [Kelly] fight for a while. My stocks aren't coming down. He should have taken me down when he had the chance but he's got no hope now."

Pressure on Pretty Boy

Benn, 24, insists his rival’s extensive amateur background, which includes boxing at the 2016 Olympics, means he is already entering his peak years.

Ramping up the pressure on Pretty Boy, he added: "It's now or never for Kelly. He's got a massive amateur pedigree — he’s done it all in the amateurs.

"He needs to make these steps up quickly. I'm at the other end of the spectrum. I'm young with no amateur experience so I've got time. 

"I could have another 10 learning fights but he's got to push on because everyone puts him on a pedestal.

"I answer these questions every single time and I'll do the same with Vargas.

"If Kelly does what he's got to do, he'll be answering a ton of questions. But there are levels to this game and we'll find out what level you are at eventually."