Conor Benn says he could challenge WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios as early as March next year, positioning himself as the next available challenger after his biggest win to date.
Barrios retained the title earlier this year when he drew with Manny Pacquiao, who returned from retirement for the bout. Although rumours have linked Barrios to a possible defence against Ryan Garcia in 2026, Benn — fresh from a career-best display against Chris Eubank Jr — is pushing for a spring date and believes he would be an attractive opponent.
Benn’s lawyer, Lee Emptage, told Sky Sports that coming off his recent victory Benn would be a stronger commercial prospect for Barrios and “would make much more sense for Mario.” Emptage said Benn’s immediate aim is the WBC title, while also eyeing a major stadium fight at 147lbs later next year against names such as Ryan Garcia or Gervonta Davis.
Benn exacted revenge on Eubank Jr in their rematch at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after losing to him in April. He dominated the return fight, flooring Eubank twice in the final round and securing a clear unanimous decision. Both of those bouts were fought at middleweight, and Benn has not weighed under the welterweight limit since his 2022 knockout of Chris van Heerden.
Despite recent outings at 160lbs, Benn is determined to drop back to his natural 147lb division and emulate his father, British great Nigel Benn, by winning a WBC world title. He admitted that making 147lbs will be challenging but said the belt is the goal and would represent a major milestone in his career.