Conor Benn beat Chris Eubank Jr handily over 12 rounds in London this past weekend, confirming his move back down to welterweight post-fight.
The 29-year-old looked comfortable at 160lbs, albeit against a Eubank who looked fragile, but has made no secret that he wants to push for a title back down at 147. Now that the family rivalry is over with, as talk of a trilogy holds little interest to most, he is free to deliver on that plan.
Not long after the final bell, new IBF World Welterweight Champion Lewis Crocker, who is under the same promotional banner as Benn, took to Instagram to call for the fight.
“How the f**k was my name not even mentioned post-fight? I’m one of only two UK world champions at the moment, and the only welterweight champion. Barrios is being brought up [but] as a fellow Matchroom fighter I’m not even being spoken about? Let’s do this. The UK fans deserve this.”
Crocker beat Paddy Donovan via split decision to win the vacant belt in September, which was on the line after Jaron Ennis vacated to move up in weight. His points — the promotional situation and an all-UK battle — certainly hold weight.
Benn did mention Mario Barrios, the current WBC Champion who is deep in talks to defend against Ryan Garcia in early 2026. WBA titlist Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero is also an option, however he has been reportedly considering a bout against Manny Pacquiao.
The WBO belt is currently held by Brian Norman Jr, who defends against Devin Haney this weekend in Saudi Arabia. Should he win, he told TalkSPORT he is interested in facing Benn — though would rather it be a unification bout.
“I believe Conor Benn will become a world champion, and I know he’s not scared of anybody. I would welcome that fight in your country. I haven’t fought over there yet, but it will happen.
“I’ll come over there whenever Conor Benn gets a belt… My goal is to become undisputed, so I want to fight whoever has the belts, but I like that fight with Benn.”
Benn clearly has options, and will have eyes on this weekend’s card as well as what move Barrios makes in January. As of writing, the Brit is ranked at number four with the WBC and six with the WBA. He is not in the top 15 with either the IBF or WBO, though all of the above could change within the month.
