Boxing opinion: Who should Conor Benn fight next?
On Saturday April 19, Conor Benn was defeated by Chris Eubank Jr. by decision at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
They certainly gave it their all and put everything into the fight which left many fans wanting to see it again.
It was a fight for the ages - both fighters gave it their absolute best, reflects Sports News Blitz writer and boxing fan, Jonathon House, who looks ahead to Benn’s future.
Benn’s Heroics
Even though Benn lost, he certainly showed heart, never gave up and constantly took the fight to Eubank Jr.
He made his dad, Nigel Benn, proud to say the least.
Even though the fight was a great fight, I don’t think there is any real need for a rematch.
Benn stepped up two weight classes for the Eubank Jr. fight and there are a lot of options for him going forward.
Possible options
Benn has suggested that if the rematch does not transpire, he would be interested in fighting Manny Pacquiao.
Pacquiao’s last fight was an exhibition fight in July 2024.
His last pro fight was against Yordenis Ugas in 2021.
Personally, that is not a fight I want to see.
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Pacquiao has been out of the ring for a while and is now 46 years of age, whereas Benn, contrastingly, is 26.
In my opinion, this is not an exciting prospect at all and there are a lot more fights for Benn to consider.
There is also Ryan Garcia, who Benn recently said he’d be interested in fighting.
Garcia recently fought Rolando Romero and lost by unanimous decision after being knocked down in the second round.
If that fight happens, I think Benn would take the win; he is the bigger man and went up in weight to lock horns with Eubank Jr.
Benn vs Garcia would be a massive fight and occasion.
Another option for Benn is Mario Barrios.
Barrio’s last fight was in November 2024 where he fought Abel Ramos.
The fight ended in a draw.
Something fans of boxing, and Benn himself, should consider.
Who I think Benn’s likely opponent is
Benn has demonstrated an interest in fighting Barrios for the WBC Welterweight title, which I think is a possibility.
But the fight I think is the most likely - even though I don’t see the need for a rematch - is between Benn and Eubank Jr. because of how good the first fight was.
Regardless though, whichever direction Benn and his team find themselves in - the outcome is likely to keep boxing fans enthralled in his journey.
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