Conor Benn says he could challenge WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios as early as March next year.
Barrios retained the title earlier this year after drawing with Manny Pacquiao, who came out of retirement for the bout. While speculation has linked Barrios to a potential defence against Ryan Garcia in 2026, Benn — fresh off a career-best victory over Chris Eubank Jr — would be available next and is keen to press for the shot in the spring.
Benn’s lawyer Lee Emptage told Sky Sports that Benn would be a bigger commercial proposition for Barrios coming off his recent win and “would make much more sense for Mario.” Emptage added Benn’s immediate focus is the WBC belt, but he also has his sights on another big stadium fight at 147lbs later next year “against the likes of a Ryan Garcia or Gervonta Davis.”
Benn secured revenge over Eubank Jr in their rematch at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, having been beaten by Eubank in April. He dominated the return, flooring Eubank twice in the final round and sealing a clear unanimous decision. Both of their recent fights were contested at middleweight, and Benn has not weighed in under the welterweight limit since his 2022 knockout of Chris van Heerden.
Despite recent outings at 160lbs, Benn is determined to return to his natural 147lb division and emulate his father, British boxing legend Nigel Benn, by winning a WBC world title. “I don’t know how long I can make 147 for,” Benn said after his win. “It’s going to be hard of course making 147lbs. It’s going to be challenging but ultimately that’s what we do. It’s the belt I would love to win. It would be some moment for me. For me it’s let me get that world title, for me that will be a box ticked.”