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Conor Benn took to social media today, letting his followers know that he wants WBC Welterweight Champion Mario Barrios for his next fight to capture his belt in 2025.
It’s a smart move for Benn to fight Barrios (29-2-1, 18 KOs) instead of moving up two weight divisions to face Chris Eubank Jr. medium weight
The bigger picture
The Eubank Jr fight will always be in Conor’s future if he wants it, but he can achieve much more by winning the WBC welterweight belt from Barrios, who was seen as the weakest link between the champions in this weight category
Eubank Jr., 35, is seen by many as an old man nationally. It is not highly regarded in the UK or internationally.
If Benn can get the WBC 147-pound title from Barrios, there would be some great fights available against these fighters:
– Ryan Garcia
– Devin Haney
– Teofimo López
– 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. Barrios, 29, recently collected his WBC 147-pound belt via an email from the World Boxing Council.
Barrios was initially the interim WBC champion after defeating a depleted Yordenis Ugas via a 12-round unanimous decision on September 30, 2023. He was elevated to WBC champion last year and defended the belt once, fighting to a 12-round draw. vs. Abel Ramos on November 15 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Barrios’ performance was poor. He was knocked out in the sixth round and seemed to lose 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 of the nine-year career of the 28-year-old Benn (23-0, 14 KOs), but better late than never. Benn didn’t have the fan following of some of the talented fighters who were quickly maneuvered into title shots soon after turning pro.
“No socials. I’m locked up. 2025: WBC World Champion,” Conor Benn said on social media, making it clear he will target Mario Barrios for his welterweight title this year.
🔒 a.
WBC World Champion 🔜 pic.twitter.com/C6ouQgTdFp— Conor Nigel Benn (@ConorNigel) January 2, 2025
