Conor Benn Sets Sights on Mario Barrios and WBC Welterweight Title

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 wise move for Benn to fight Barrios (29-2-1, 18 KOs) rather than moving up two weight divisions to face Chris Eubank Jr. at middleweight.

The Bigger Picture

The Eubank Jr fight will always be there in the future for Conor if he wants it, but he can accomplish a lot more by winning the WBC welterweight belt from Barrios, who was seen as the weakest link among the champions in that weight class.

Many view Eubank Jr., 35, as an aging, domestic-level underachiever. He is not highly regarded in the UK or internationally.

If Benn can get his hands on the WBC 147-lb title from Barrios, some big fights would be available to him against these fighters:

– Ryan Garcia
– Devin Haney
– Teofimo Lopez
– Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis
– Manny Pacquiao

The opportunities for big-money fights would be endless for Conor if he could capture the WBC belt from Barrios. The 29-year-old Barrios recently picked up his WBC 147-lb belt through an email from the World Boxing Council.

Barrios initially was the WBC interim champion after defeating the depleted-looking Yordenis Ugas by a 12-round unanimous decision on September 30th, 2023. He was elevated to full WBC champion last year and defended the belt once, fighting to a 12-round draw against Abel Ramos on November 15th at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Barrios’s performance was poor. He was dropped 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 of the nine-year career of the 28-year-old Benn (23-0, 14 KOs), but better late than never. Benn didn’t have the amateur background of some of the talented fighters who were quickly maneuvered into title shots shortly after turning pro.

“No socials. I’m locked in. 2025 – WBC World Champion,” said Conor Benn on social media, making it clear that he’s targeting Mario Barrios next for his welterweight title this year.