Former WBA continental world champion Conor Benn has a massive fight in his crosshairs as he nears a return to the ring.
Conor Benn’s interest in re-booking a fight with Chris Eubank Jr. has dwindled after a new potential adversary emerged on one of the biggest cards of the year.
Benn got back in the win column with a victory over Peter Dobson in his most recent fight in February. After he was cleared of any wrongdoing following two failed drug tests in 2022, Benn is turning his attention back to his career as one of the sport’s most promising talents.
The former WBA continental welterweight champion has been linked to a potential rescheduled bout with Eubank after their 2022 booking fell through due to Benn’s positive drug tests. While the matchup is still on the table, Benn has a preferred option in mind involving another blossoming star.
Conor Benn eying Mario Barrios clash over potential Chris Eubank Jr. rescheduling
In a recent interview with talkSPORT, Benn pointed to WBA champion Mario Barrios as his preferred opponent for a return.
“We’re in talks with Barrios for the WBC world title and if there is anything that is going to make me pick over the Eubank fight it would be the WBC world title,” Benn shared.
Benn was then asked about Barrios’ performance over Abel Ramos at Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson.
“I don’t think he looked great, he’s a great fighter, a tough Mexican fighter but I don’t think he looked great,” Benn opined.
“I think he is built for me, he will come out firing. I feel rejuvenated and full of life.”
Barrios fought to a split draw against Ramos on the Paul vs. Tyson card, retaining his WBC welterweight belt. Before the draw, Barrios won three consecutive fights, including wins over Yordenis Ugas and Fabian Maidana.
After Eubank’s IBO title win in October, he and Benn came face-to-face in an intense faceoff with football star Neymar playing peacekeeper. Speculation over a potential rebooking surged in the days after, but Eubank has recently scoffed at fighting Benn after his recent controversies.
Conor Benn closing in on a return to championship form
If Benn vs. Eubank isn’t rebooked, Eubank could potentially move towards a possible clash with Canelo Alvarez in 2025. Alvarez defeated Edgar Berlanga by unanimous decision in September to defend his super middleweight titles.
Benn is 23-0 in his professional boxing career with wins over Chris Algieri, Chris van Heerden, and Rodolfo Orozco. The 28-year-old is in the middle of his physical prime and could target big-name matchups after his string of success.
Barrios, after back-to-back losses to Keith Thurman and Gervonta Davis, has looked like a transformed fighter during his current unbeaten streak. He won the vacant WBC interim welterweight title by defeating Ugas last year.
Benn has plenty of options for his next boxing test. In the meantime, he seems steadfast in facing Barrios in 2025 to potentially become a world champion again.