Conor Benn is now mandatory challenger for the WBC Welterweight World title — a belt that Ryan Garcia is set to challenge for in the new year.
Benn recently beat Chris Eubank Jr convincingly in their rematch to avenge a loss in the first fight and put a point on the board for his family in the decades-long rivalry. Despite looking solid at 160lbs, he has made it clear he will now return to his more natural 147 class.
The 29-year-old was recently installed at the WBC number one contender, first in line for a shot at Mario Barrios, who was upgraded from Interim to Full champion in mid-2024 and has retained the belt with two draws since. Barrios has been granted a voluntary defence and Ryan Garcia is set to be the challenger. The American superstar has had just one fight at the weight, losing to Rolando Romero.
Speaking to Fight Lens, Froch first questioned Benn’s plan of dropping straight back down to welterweight following those two Eubank bouts two divisions up.
“I think it’s a tough fight for Conor Benn. I think Conor Benn needs to see if he can get down to 147 … He’s probably not strong enough to stay at middleweight and do any damage, so drop down to 154. I think he’s got a chance of becoming a world champion but he needs to be guided correctly, he needs the right fights at the right time.”
Ultimately, Froch said he would like to see the young Brit build up his record before a world title shot.
“He’s an exciting guy to watch, but he is a prospect. So you can’t chuck him in with Ryan Garcia. Ryan Garcia is a dangerous fighter. A big puncher. He’s had some close fights, some great wins. I don’t think putting Conor Benn in with Ryan Garcia, straightaway in his next fight, is a good idea.
“I might be wrong. Conor might get in there, be strong enough and big enough. Ryan probably doesn’t have the desire he used to have. He’s been beat himself, beat Devin Haney and then failed the drugs test. But, Garcia’s fast, big puncher and a world level operator. Conor Benn, for me, is a prospect. Never won a British or European title.”
Despite the advice, Benn’s plan is to face the winner of Barrios-Garcia, which is pencilled in for February but not yet finalised. In the meantime, the Londoner will use his time to work off the extra weight.
Garcia has shown great interest in facing Benn, suggesting Wembley Stadium as a venue.
