Conor Benn has options heading into his next fight.
There was a time where he was seemingly locked in for a rematch with countryman and fellow second-generation boxer Chris Eubank Jnr. The two engaged in a twelve-round thriller on April 26, won by Eubank Jnr, 35-3 (25 KOs) via unanimous decision before an announced crowd of 67,484 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England.
A June 29 announcement from The Ring – who presented the April 26 show – insisted the two would run it back on September 20 at a London location to be determined.
Benn, 23-1 (14 KOs) was obviously on board, regardless of date and location. Eubank Jnr, however, stayed quiet, despite the reported news.
It quickly became apparent that he was not happy with proposed date. The rematch was quickly scrapped but days later it was announced that Riyadh Season and Sela were interested in making the rematch in November.
“I mean we got asked by [Turki Alalshikh] would we be happy to do the event in November,” said Eddie Hearn, Benn’s promoter and chairman of Matchroom Boxing. “The answer for us is yes, we would have much preferred September but obviously Eubank for some reason needs more time.
“I don't think it's been agreed yet or approved yet, but if it came in November we're talking to a few venues, we would make it happen.”
Before Benn signed to first face Eubank back in April, he was reportedly in discussions to face WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios. Talks broke off once it was clear that Barrios, 29-2-2 (18 KOs) would next former eight-division titlist Manny Pacquiao, 62-8-3 (39 KOs).
Barrios and Pacquiao recently fought to a disputed majority draw on July 19 in Las Vegas, Nevada. While a rematch is warranted based on the outcome, there are no such immediate plans as this goes to publication.
Given Barrios’ current availability, Hearn opted to reopen talks as an option for Benn to fight for his first major title.
“We have had a couple of conversations with the PBC about [Mario] Barrios for Conor Benn,” Hearn said. “I love that fight, I think he becomes world champion, but we'll have to see over the next couple of weeks [what happens].”
Tom Ivers is an amateur boxer who has a master’s degree in sports journalism. He had his first bout in 2013, joined BoxingScene in 2024 and is now a key part of the UK and social media teams.
