Conor Benn posted on social media in the present day, letting his followers know that he desires WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios for his subsequent battle to seize his belt in 2025.
It’s a sensible transfer for Benn to battle Barrios (29-2-1, 18 KOs) relatively than transferring up two weight divisions to face Chris Eubank Jr. at middleweight.
The Greater Image
The Eubank Jr battle will at all times be there sooner or later for Conor if he desires it, however he can accomplish much more by profitable the WBC welterweight belt from Barrios, who was seen because the weakest hyperlink among the many champions in that weight class.
Many view Eubank Jr., 35, as an ageing, domestic-level underachiever. He isn’t extremely regarded within the UK or internationally.
If Benn can get his fingers on the WBC 147-lb title from Barrios, some large fights can be obtainable to him towards these fighters:
– Ryan Garcia
– Devin Haney
– Teofimo Lopez
– Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis
– Manny Pacquiao
The alternatives for big-money fights can be limitless for Conor if he may seize the WBC belt from Barrios. The 29-year-old Barrios not too long ago picked up his WBC 147-lb belt by an e-mail from the World Boxing Council.
Barrios initially was the WBC interim champion after defeating the depleted-looking Yordenis Ugas by a 12-round unanimous determination on September thirtieth, 2023. He was elevated to full WBC champion final yr and defended the belt as soon as, combating to a 12-round draw towards Abel Ramos on November fifteenth on the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Barrios’s efficiency was poor. He was dropped within the sixth spherical and appeared to lose the battle. The judges gave him a draw, however many boxing followers imagine he ought to have misplaced.
This could be the primary world title problem of the nine-year profession of the 28-year-old Benn (23-0, 14 KOs), however higher late than by no means. Benn didn’t have the newbie background of a few of the proficient fighters who have been shortly maneuvered into title pictures shortly after turning professional.
“No socials. I’m locked in. 2025 – WBC World Champion,” mentioned Conor Benn on social media, making it clear that he’s concentrating on Mario Barrios subsequent for his welterweight title this yr.
🔒 in.
WBC World Champion 🔜 pic.twitter.com/C6ouQgTdFp— Conor Nigel Benn (@ConorNigel) January 2, 2025
