Conor Benn has made it clear that a showdown with WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia sits at the very top of his agenda, yet he also hinted that a host of other high‑profile fighters are eagerly "begging" for a bout with him. Benn recently inked a multi‑year, multi‑fight contract with Zuffa Boxing, a deal that followed his impressive debut for the promotion when he out‑pointed Regis Prograis on the undercard of Tyson Fury’s event at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last Saturday. As the mandatory challenger for Garcia’s title, Benn feels he is now positioned to entertain a variety of elite opponents.
"Obviously, the Garcia fight is the priority and I’m keen to get it done," he told Sky Sports, "but I’m not short of options. There are a lot of fighters calling me out, big names throwing their hats in the ring." He added, "God willing, we lock in the Garcia fight for the belt. I sit in the No. 1 spot for that title and I’ve worked incredibly hard to earn that position.
If Ryan decides he doesn’t want it, there are plenty of other fish in the sea." Benn’s recent victories have only amplified interest in his future. After avenging his sole career loss with a rematch win over Chris Eubank Jr.
at middleweight last November, the 29‑year‑old British star has been amused by the sudden surge of challenges following his points win over two‑time world champion Prograis. "It’s funny," Benn remarked, "after the weekend, all the fighters are suddenly calling me out, begging for a fight. No one was shouting after the second Eubank bout – it was radio silence." He explained that many of his critics have only now taken notice because he managed to go the distance at 150 lb, scoring points against a seasoned champion on just six weeks’ notice.
"Maybe it’s a blessing I went the distance and won on points," he said. "What a lot of people miss is that this was my first fight back at 150 lb in four years, and it was on a very short turnaround.
Not many can say they fought a two‑time former world champion as a late‑notice replacement, won almost every round, and then cut down to 149 lb for the next fight." Benn emphasized the discipline and preparation required to stay ready on such short notice. "It’s about staying disciplined, hitting the gym, and being prepared to step into the ring in six or seven weeks," he explained.
"If Ryan wants it, he can have it – even tomorrow if he wishes. But that’s news to me regarding any summer‑date negotiations." Zuffa Boxing’s chief executive, Dana White, expressed enthusiasm about potentially staging a "fun" encounter between Benn and Garcia.
Speaking to Sky Sports, White said, "All the guys who have signed with us – we ask what they’ve dreamed about, what they want to do, what their career plans are. We love hearing those ideas.
Obviously, my goal is to make the biggest fights possible. The kids fighting for us see it the same way." White also highlighted Zuffa’s broader ambitions in the UK market. The promotion recently added former WBO cruiserweight champion Chris Billam‑Smith to its roster and plans to sign more of Britain’s top talent in the coming weeks.
"I just struck a big deal with Sky and we’re going to bring major fights to the UK," White said. "I’m looking for lots of UK talent – not just the big‑name fighters everyone knows, but also young up‑and‑coming prospects who have the potential to become world champions." The buzz surrounding Benn’s next move is further fueled by other notable storylines in the boxing world. Dave Allen recently knocked out Jonny Fisher in a rematch, avenging a controversial defeat from December. Meanwhile, heavyweight contender Daniel Dubois is eyeing potential bouts with both Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk after his February IBF title defence, and Anthony Joshua is gearing up for a clash with Dubois, stressing the need for a victory to solidify his claim to the IBF heavyweight crown.
In Manchester, the press conference for the upcoming Eubank versus Benn showdown is set to be streamed live for free, promising another glimpse into the competitive spirit that defines the British boxing scene. Additionally, rising star Adam Azim described his bout with Ohara Davies as his toughest test yet, expressing eagerness to step back into the ring on Saturday. Overall, Benn’s message is unmistakable: while a fight with Ryan Garcia remains his primary target, his position as a top‑ranked welterweight means he has a menu of high‑caliber opponents waiting in the wings.
Whether it’s a long‑awaited title clash with Garcia or a lucrative bout with another marquee name, Benn’s confidence, recent performances, and the backing of Zuffa Boxing suggest that the next chapter of his career will be filled with exciting possibilities for fans and promoters alike.