Conor Benn took to social media today and let 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) rather than move up two weight divisions to face Chris Eubank Jr. to compete against middleweight.
The bigger picture
The Eubank Jr fight will always be there in the future for Conor if he wants it, but he can accomplish a lot more by winning the WBC welterweight belt from Barrios, who has been considered the weakest link among the champions in that weight class.
Many view Eubank Jr., 35, as an aging, domestic underachiever. He is not highly regarded in the UK or internationally.
If Benn can get his hands on the WBC 147-lb title from Barrios, some big fights will be 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 capture the WBC belt from Barrios. The 29-year-old Barrios recently picked up his WBC 147-lb belt via an email from the World Boxing Council.
Barrios was initially the WBC interim champion after defeating the depleted Yordenis Ugas via a 12-round unanimous decision on September 30, 2023. He was elevated to full WBC champion last year and has defended the belt once and to a 12 round draw fight. against Abel Ramos on November 15 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Barrios’ performance was poor. He was dropped 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.
It would be the first world title challenge of the nine-year career of the 28-year-old Benn (23-0, 14 KOs), but better late than never. Benn did not have the amateur background of some of the talented fighters, who were quickly maneuvered into title shots shortly after turning pro.
“No social events. I am locked up. 2025 – WBC World Champion,” Conor Benn said on social media, making it clear that he is targeting Mario Barrios next for his welterweight title this year.
🔒 in.
WBC World Champion 🔜 pic.twitter.com/C6ouQgTdFp— Conor Nigel Benn (@ConorNigel) January 2, 2025
