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Conor Benn posted on 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 decision 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 fight with Eubank Jr will always be there in the future for Conor if he wants it, but he can achieve much more if he wins the WBC welterweight belt from Barrios, who was seen as the weakest link among the champions in that category. of weight.
Many view Eubank Jr., 35, as an aging and underperforming nationally. It is not highly regarded in the UK or internationally.
If Benn can get the WBC 147-pound title from Barrios, he would have some big fights available against these fighters:
– Ryan Garcia
-Devin Haney
– Teofimo Lopez
– Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis
-Manny Pacquiao
The big-money fight opportunities would be endless for Conor if he could take the WBC belt from Barrios. Barrios, 29, recently obtained his WBC 147-pound belt through an email from the World Boxing Council.
Barrios was initially the WBC interim champion after defeating the exhausted Yordenis Ugas by unanimous decision in 12 rounds on September 30, 2023. He was elevated to full WBC champion last year and defended the belt once, fighting to a draw in 12 rounds. against Abel Ramos on November 15 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Barrios’ performance was poor. He went down in the sixth round and appeared 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 in the 28-year-old Benn’s nine-year career (23-0, 14 KOs), but better late than never. Benn didn’t have the amateur experience of some of the talented fighters who quickly earned title shots soon after turning pro.
“No social events. I’m insured. 2025 – WBC World Champion,” Conor Benn said on social media, making it clear that his next target is Mario Barrios for his welterweight title this year.
🔒 in.
WBC World Champion 🔜 pic.twitter.com/C6ouQgTdFp—Conor Nigel Benn (@ConorNigel) January 2, 2025
