Bold forecast: Conor Benn is positioned for high-stakes showdowns next year, potentially taking on Ryan Garcia or Shakur Stevenson as headline fights. Benn’s team is lining up major UK–US clashes that could redefine his path back toward a world title.
Talks point to a Garcia bout as a likely marquee contest. Garcia is expected to face WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios in a stay-busy-but-important matchup, with the winner earmarked as Benn’s major American challenger. Benn’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, emphasized the personal drive behind Benn’s pursuit of the WBC title, noting that the belt has a meaningful, almost sacred significance for Benn and his family: it sits on the wall at home and in his gym, a belt his father once held.
Meanwhile, Benn has his sights set on returning to welterweight after last month’s middleweight rematch win over Chris Eubank Jr. The WBC has made him the top interim contender at 147 pounds, positioning him well to challenge for that title once again. However, nothing is guaranteed in the Garcia–Barrios scenario. Garcia’s own recent form includes a comeback setback to Rolando Romero after serving a one-year suspension related to a drug-test issue, which had briefly overturned his win over Devin Haney.
A separate, intriguing potential path could pit Benn against Shakur Stevenson, the undefeated three-weight world champion who will challenge Teofimo Lopez for the WBO super-lightweight title in January. Hearn indicated that Stevenson has suggested a plan: a Lopez fight followed by a Benn showdown, with a possible UK-based summer bout.
Benn’s standing remains highly elevated in the sport, with multiple big names calling him out, including Devin Haney, Rolly Romero, Lewis Crocker, and Stevenson. Hearn argues Benn is in a rare position where a world-title opportunity could come next, envisioning a 2026 championship shot if the current alignment holds.
Controversial angle to watch: some observers question whether Benn can realistically reclaim a world title at 147 given his recent fighting history and the turmoil surrounding other top welterweights. Others argue that Benn’s momentum and the WBC’s continued support place him on a direct path to a championship bout in the near future. What do you think: will Benn secure a 147-pound world title soon, or are there obstacles that could derail the plan? Share your view in the comments.
