Conor Benn is set to challenge Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight world title, potentially as early as March next year. Barrios recently held on to his title, drawing in a high-profile match against boxing great Manny Pacquiao, who made a return to the ring for the event.
While there’s speculation that Barrios may eventually defend his title against Ryan Garcia in 2026, Benn is eager to step into the ring sooner. Following a significant victory over Chris Eubank Jr. last Saturday, Benn’s name has emerged prominently as a formidable challenger. His lawyer, Lee Emptage, expressed confidence that a bout against Benn would be a more lucrative opportunity for Barrios after his recent success.
Benn’s impressive comeback win against Eubank Jr., in which he secured a unanimous decision after knocking Eubank down twice in the final round, has reignited interest in his career. Emptage noted the commercial appeal of a Benn-Barrios fight, suggesting that it would attract greater attention due to Benn’s performance.
In addition to eyeing the WBC title, Benn revealed ambitions for another major fight later in the year against prominent fighters, including Ryan Garcia or Gervonta Davis. Despite his recent matches at middleweight, where he had victories over Eubank Jr. and previously over Chris van Heerden, Benn is eager to return to his original weight class of 147 lbs.
Benn articulated the challenges of maintaining that weight, recognizing the difficulty in making 147 lbs. However, he is determined to pursue the title that carries significant personal meaning: the WBC championship, which he aspires to win in honor of his father, the legendary British boxer Nigel Benn. “It would be some moment for me,” Benn stated, reflecting on his goal to capture the title. This upcoming opportunity represents not just a career milestone, but a chance to fulfill a dream that connects him to his family’s legacy in boxing.