Conor Benn has made it clear that securing a WBC welter‑weight title fight against Ryan Garcia sits at the top of his agenda, but he also hinted that a host of other high‑profile fighters are lining up, eager to challenge him. The British pugilist recently inked a multi‑year, multi‑fight contract with Zuffa Boxing, a partnership that was celebrated when he stepped into the ring on the undercard of the Tyson Fury‑vs‑Regis Prograis showdown at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last Saturday and emerged victorious.
Benn now holds the mandatory challenger status for Garcia’s WBC belt, yet he believes his position opens the door to a broader spectrum of elite opposition. Speaking to Sky Sports, the 29‑year‑old champion said, “Of course, the Garcia fight is the priority, but I’m not short of options.
A lot of big names are calling me out.” He added that if Garcia declines, “there are plenty of fish out there.” The interview was peppered with references to other upcoming fights on the British boxing calendar. Headlines about Dave Allen’s knockout of Jonny Fisher, Daniel Dubois potentially facing Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk, and a press conference showdown between Eubank and Benn were mentioned, underscoring the vibrant activity in the sport.
Reflecting on his recent performance, Benn noted the irony of the post‑fight chatter. After a hard‑fought points win over two‑time world champion Regis Prograis, he observed, “It’s funny – after the weekend all these fighters started begging for a bout with me.
No one was shouting at me after my second fight with Eubank; it was silent.” He suggested that the exposure from dropping back to 150 pounds and delivering a ten‑round decision against a seasoned champion has sparked renewed interest from rivals. Benn emphasized the significance of the weight change, explaining that this was his first fight back at 150 pounds in four years and that he accepted the challenge on just six weeks’ notice. “Not many can say they fought a two‑time former world champion on short notice, won almost every round, and then cut down to 149 pounds,” he said. “It’s about discipline, staying in the gym, and being ready to step into the ring at a moment’s notice.” When asked whether he would entertain a fight with Garcia at any time, Benn replied unequivocally, “If Ryan wants it, he can have it – even tomorrow if he wants.” He added that any talk of a summer showdown was new information to him, indicating that negotiations are still in their early stages.
Zuffa Boxing’s CEO, Dana White, expressed enthusiasm for a potential Benn‑Garcia clash, describing it as a “fun fight” that could capture worldwide attention. In a conversation with Sky Sports, White explained the promotion’s philosophy: “We ask our fighters what their dreams are, what they want to achieve, and we listen. Our goal is to create the biggest fights possible.” He highlighted the recent signing of former WBO cruiserweight champion Chris Billam‑Smith and hinted at a pipeline of British talent joining the roster. White also announced a new partnership with Sky, promising to deliver major events to UK audiences.
“We’re looking for a lot of UK talent, not just the big names you already know, but also young prospects who have the potential to become world champions,” he said. Overall, Benn’s message is clear: while a showdown with Ryan Garcia remains his primary objective, the landscape of potential opponents is broad and competitive.
The combination of his recent victory, his willingness to fight at short notice, and the backing of a growing promotion like Zuffa Boxing positions him as a sought‑after challenger in the welter‑weight division. Whether he ultimately faces Garcia or another marquee name, the upcoming months promise a flurry of negotiations and, likely, several high‑stakes bouts that will shape the future of British and global boxing.