Conor Benn has made it clear that a showdown with WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia is his primary objective, but he also hinted that a host of other high‑profile fighters are lining up to challenge him. The British boxer recently inked a multi‑year, multi‑fight agreement with Zuffa Boxing, a deal that followed his successful debut for the promotion when he stopped Regis Prograis on the undercard of the Tyson Fury‑vs‑Dillian Whyte event at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last Saturday. Benn now holds the mandatory challenger position for Garcia’s title, yet he believes his standing in the division opens doors to a variety of elite opponents. "The Garcia fight is definitely the priority, but I’m not short of options," Benn told Sky Sports.
"There are a lot of fighters calling me out – big names are reaching out. If God wills it, we’ll lock in the Garcia fight because I’m in the number one spot for that belt and I’ve worked incredibly hard to earn it. If Ryan doesn’t want it, there are plenty of other fish in the sea." The comments came amid a flurry of boxing news, including Dave Allen’s knockout of Jonny Fisher in a rematch, Daniel Dubois’s potential match‑ups with Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk after his February IBF heavyweight title defence, and a press conference between Eubank and Benn that will be streamed live for fans in Manchester. Meanwhile, Adam Azim described Ohara Davies as his toughest test to date, and Anthony Joshua emphasized his need for a victory over Dubois to validate his IBF heavyweight crown.
Benn, who avenged his only career loss by defeating Chris Eubank Jr. in a middleweight rematch last November, said he was amused by the sudden surge of interest following his points win over the two‑time world champion Prograis.
"It’s funny – after the weekend, every fighter is calling me out, begging for a fight," he said. "That says a lot about their character because after the second Eubank fight, the silence was deafening. Now that I’ve gone 10 rounds at 150 lb and earned a decision, they’re suddenly hyping me up and demanding a bout." Benn highlighted that the Prograis fight was his first return to the 150‑pound limit in four years and that he accepted the challenge on just six weeks’ notice.
"Not many can claim they fought a two‑time former world champion on short notice, won almost every round, and then cut down to 149 lb for the next fight. It’s about discipline, staying in the gym, and being ready to step into the ring with only a few weeks to prepare. If Ryan wants it, he can have it tomorrow. That’s news to me regarding any summer‑date negotiations." Zuffa Boxing’s CEO Dana White echoed Benn’s enthusiasm for a potential Garcia clash, describing it as a "fun" fight that could capture fans’ imagination.
"When our fighters sign with us, we ask them about their dreams, their goals, and their career plans," White told Sky Sports. "Our aim is to put together the biggest fights possible.
The guys we’ve signed share that vision." White also announced the recent signing of former WBO cruiserweight champion Chris Billam‑Smith and hinted that more British talent will be added to the roster in the coming weeks. "We just struck a major deal with Sky, and we’ll be delivering big fights to the UK," he said.
"I’m looking for a lot of UK talent – not just the household names, but also young prospects who have the potential to become world champions." The broader context of Benn’s statements underscores a shifting landscape in the welterweight division. While Garcia remains the most coveted opponent due to his marketability and unbeaten record, other contenders such as Errol Spence Jr., Terence Crawford (if he moves down), and rising stars like Jamal James are reportedly monitoring Benn’s progress. A fight with any of these fighters would not only keep Benn active but also solidify his reputation as a versatile and fearless competitor. Moreover, Benn’s willingness to fight at 149‑150 lb after a lengthy hiatus from that weight class demonstrates his adaptability.
Dropping back down after competing at higher weights shows a strategic approach to reclaiming his place in the welterweight hierarchy. His performance against Prograis, a seasoned veteran with a reputation for power and technical skill, proved that Benn can handle high‑caliber opposition without relying solely on knockout power.
In summary, Conor Benn is positioning himself as a top‑tier contender with multiple pathways to a title shot. While the Garcia bout remains his headline goal, the influx of calls from other elite fighters indicates that the boxing world sees Benn as a must‑fight opponent. Whether he ends up in the ring with Garcia, another established name, or a rising prospect, Benn’s recent contract with Zuffa Boxing and his demonstrated readiness to compete on short notice suggest that fans can expect more high‑stakes match‑ups in the near future.