Conor Benn’s Next Steps After Victory
Just days after his impressive unanimous decision victory over Chris Eubank Jr., Conor Benn has his sights firmly set on his next opponents. The match, which took place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, sparked immediate interest from potential challengers. Among them are notable names such as WBC lightweight titleholder Shakur Stevenson, IBF champion Lewis Crocker, and WBO welterweight titleholder Brian Norman Jr. However, Benn has singled out a couple of fighters as his top priorities moving forward.
Targeting Big Fights
In an interview with The Ariel Helwani Show, Benn revealed his intention to drop back down to the welterweight class (147 pounds) and immediately pursue big fights. Initially, he emphasized his desire to face Mario Barrios, the current WBC champion. But he quickly shifted gears upon recalling an engaging social media exchange with Ryan Garcia.
“Yeah, you’re right, Garcia is the biggest fight,” he acknowledged. “Just seeing [those] tweets infuriates me. I think he’s an idiot and I’d love to knock him out in front of a massive crowd in London.”
Confidence in Capabilities
Benn expressed confidence in his capabilities at this weight, suggesting he feels more dangerous against heavier opponents.
“If Rolly Romero has put Garcia down, I definitely believe I can do some real damage to him,”
Benn stated confidently.
“I’ve told my manager, Keith Connolly, and my lawyer, Lee Emptage, to pursue a match with Garcia, but if that doesn’t happen, Barrios is still on the list.”
While Benn appears to be leaning toward a fight with Garcia, his father Nigel, a former two-weight champion, argued for prioritizing a title fight over a money-driven bout, emphasizing the importance of securing a championship belt.
Potential Challenges Ahead
However, both Garcia and Barrios may not be available for Benn, as Oscar De La Hoya—head of Golden Boy Promotions—hinted at a potential pay-per-view fight between Barrios and Garcia. If this matchup occurs, Benn would need to identify new adversaries.
New Opportunities
One potential option for Benn could be Shakur Stevenson, whom he recently had a spirited conversation with on Helwani’s show. The two boxers are considering a welterweight clash, which could be feasible as Stevenson is set to face Teofimo Lopez, with discussions around staging their fight in London if Stevenson secures a victory in January.
Reflections on Rivalry
Reflecting on his rivalry with Eubank Jr., Benn made it clear that while there’s a new level of respect between the fighters after their second bout, he has no interest in a trilogy fight unless it occurs in a higher weight class. Benn appreciates the history they’ve created but maintains personal differences with Eubank, saying,
“He’s not my type of guy, but he’s a good fighter. We made history together.”
With a landscape filled with intriguing matchups, Benn’s future could unfold in numerous exciting directions, provided the right opportunities arise in the welterweight division.
