Conor Benn took to social media today, letting his followers know that he wants WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios for his next fight to win his belt in 2025.
It's a wise move for Benn to fight Barrios (29-2-1, 18 KOs) instead of moving up two weight classes to face Chris Eubank Jr. at middleweight.
The bigger picture
The Eubank Jr fight will always be there in Conor's future if he wants it, but he can achieve a lot more by winning the WBC light heavyweight belt from Barrios, who was seen as the weakest link among the champions at that weight class.
Eubank Jr., 35, is viewed by many as an aging underdog at the domestic level. It is not highly regarded in the UK or abroad.
If Benn can get his hands on the WBC 147-lb title from Barrios, he will have some big fights available to him against these fighters:
– Ryan Garcia
– Devin Haney
– Teofimo Lopez
– Jaron 'Boots' Ennis
– Manny Pacquiao
The opportunities for big money fights would be endless for Conor if he could win the WBC belt from Barrios. Barrios, 29, recently claimed his WBC 147lb belt via email from the World Boxing Council.
Barrios was initially the WBC interim champion after defeating a depleted Yordenis Ugas by unanimous decision over 12 rounds on September 30, 2023. He was elevated to full WBC champion last year and defended the belt once, fighting to a 12-round draw. vs. Abel Ramos on November 15th at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Barrios' performance was poor. He was knocked out in the sixth round and appeared to have lost the fight. The judges gave him a draw, but many boxing fans believe he should have lost.
This would be the first world title challenge in the nine-year career of the 28-year-old Benn (23-0, 14 KOs), but better late than never. Benn did not have an amateur background like some of the talented fighters who quickly made it to the titles shortly after turning pro.
“Without social. I'm locked out. 2025 – WBC World Champion,” Conor Benn said on social media, making it clear he is targeting Mario Barrios as next for his welterweight title this year.
🔒 in
WBC world champion 🔜 pic.twitter.com/C6ouQgTdFp– Conor Nigel Benn (@ConorNigel) January 2, 2025
