Conor Benn is set to return to the welterweight division, as he sets about becoming a world champion for the first time. Now, ‘The Destroyer’ has revealed the three potential 147lb opponents that are on his mind for 2026.
Benn last fought as a welterweight back in 2022, when he knocked out Chris van Heerden inside just two rounds, before testing positive for clomifene later in the calendar and then fighting at super-welterweight in his comeback the next year.
During 2025, Benn moved up again, twice taking on fierce rival Chris Eubank Jr. in back-to-back clashes at middleweight, where he suffered a first career defeat in their initial encounter but claimed his revenge in their rematch.
Following that career-best win, the 29-year-old has declared that he will now end a near four-year hiatus from what he believes to be his natural weight-class and campaign as a welterweight once again.
In an interview with DAZN Boxing, Benn named three American fighters as his planned dance partners ahead of his return to the welterweight scene.
“I know we are working on making that Ryan Garcia fight, so God willing that is next, no doubt.
“[If not Garcia], Devin Haney, Shakur Stevenson, any of them can get it.”
Garcia is set to take on Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title in February, meaning any showdown with Benn would likely come in the summer and depends on who leaves the ring with the belt.
Meanwhile, Shakur Stevenson takes on Teofimo Lopez on Saturday, January 31, in New York City, as the lightweight ruler steps up to 140lbs and attempts to claim Lopez’s WBO super-lightweight world title, with Benn a possible opponent for a 147lb debut down the line. Stevenson has said he would like a rehydration clause if the talks are to be serious.
Lastly, Devin Haney dethroned Brian Norman Jr. to get his hands on the WBO welterweight crown last month. Now, he is being linked to a unified title fight with Belfast’s IBF titleholder, Lewis Crocker, but a scrap with Benn would be a more lucrative proposal and may turn his head.
