Conor Benn (23-1, 14 KOs) will step back into the ring on Nov. 15 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for his long-awaited rematch with Chris Eubank Jr. After suffering his first professional loss in April, Benn is determined to avenge the family rivalry that spans generations.
Although the Essex fighter has campaigned at middleweight for these two grudge matches, he insists his future lies at 147 pounds.
“There’s not a long-term career for me in this weight class,” Benn told The Ring. “I’m definitely not a middleweight and I’ll be dropping straight down. We are just over eight weeks away from fight night and I’m currently under the middleweight limit right now. I’m weighing about 156 pounds at the moment.
“I’ve only gone up so I could get the chance to smash up Eubank but my business will be at welterweight after that.”
Barrios, Not Crocker, the Target
While newly crowned IBF champion Lewis Crocker has been floated as a potential opponent by Eddie Hearn, Benn has no interest in that fight. His focus remains squarely on WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios, who lifted the belt earlier this year.
“Crocker ain’t the target. Barrios is,” Benn stated. “His belt has got my name on it. The WBC world title is the belt I want. I will go over to America and beat the champion and bring that belt back with me.”
The desire to claim the WBC strap is deeply personal. Benn’s father, Nigel Benn, held the same green and gold belt at super middleweight after dethroning Mauro Galvano in 1992.
“That belt means everything to me. I’ve got it hanging up in my gym already because it was the one my dad won. That belt is the one that means most to me, so now I want my own one to add to our family collection.”
Legacy and Redemption
Benn’s determination to capture the WBC crown mirrors the path of his father, who rebuilt from his own loss to Chris Eubank Sr. before launching a legendary title reign. For Conor, avenging his defeat to Eubank Jr. is only the first step.
If he can return to welterweight and secure a clash with Barrios in 2025, Benn will be one step closer to carving out his own championship legacy under the same banner his father once carried.