Conor Benn’s Crossroads: Why Welterweight and Mario Barrios Are His Path to a World Title

The dust has settled on one of British boxing’s most storied rivalries. Conor Benn’s decisive victory over Chris Eubank Jr. wasn’t just a win; it was the closing chapter on a multi-generational blood feud. In front of a roaring 65,000-strong crowd in London, Benn finally etched his family’s name into the win column against the Eubank lineage. But as one chapter ends, another begins, bringing with it a pivotal question: Which weight class truly belongs to Conor Benn?

The Weight of Expectation: Benn’s Dilemma

Benn’s recent triumph over Eubank Jr. came with a significant asterisk: Eubank was visibly weight-drained, struggling from the opening bell. This wasn’t an isolated incident; similar contractual obligations had sent Eubank to the hospital in their first scheduled bout. It underscores an age-old boxing truism: weight matters. For Benn, this truism now dictates the trajectory of his entire career.

His forays into higher divisions have been challenging. At middleweight, he’s simply undersized. Champions like WBO and IBF’s Janibek Alimkhanuly would likely overwhelm him with southpaw aggression, while WBA’s Erislandy Lara would counter him senseless. Even undisputed super middleweight champion Terence Crawford, who made light work of Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, would find Benn a much simpler puzzle.

Super welterweight offers little reprieve. Though less undersized than at middleweight, the division is stacked with formidable talents. Vergil Ortiz Jr.’s relentless pressure and finishing power, as demonstrated against Erickson Lubin, would expose Benn’s limitations. An in-house clash with Jaron “Boots” Ennis is a risk Matchroom might wisely avoid. And then there’s WBC champion Sebastian Fundora, a towering 6-foot-6 titan with an intimidating reach, who would present an insurmountable challenge for Benn’s physique.

Welterweight: The Path of Least Resistance and Maximum Opportunity

This leaves welterweight (147 pounds) as Benn’s most realistic avenue for success. Once a glamour division, welterweight has seen a shift post-Terence Crawford’s historic dismantling of Errol Spence Jr. Both superstars have since departed the division, leaving a landscape ripe for new contenders and champions to emerge. This new dynamic likely explains why Benn was quick to call out welterweight champions, conspicuously omitting the names from higher divisions.

“I fancy [Mario] Barrios for the WBC world title, Ryan Garcia, Rolly Romero, Devin Haney,” Benn declared, confidently challenging the American crop. “All of them Yanks can get it any day of the week, and twice on Sundays.”

Among these, WBC champion Mario Barrios stands out as a particularly strategic target for Benn. Barrios, a US-based boxer, has faced a challenging run in recent major outings, recording draws against formidable opponents like Abel Ramos and Manny Pacquiao since 2024. A fight against Mario Barrios represents Benn’s clearest path to legitimately vie for a world championship and solidify his international standing. It’s a winnable world title fight against a highly respected opponent.

Other intriguing possibilities at welterweight include WBA titlist Rolly Romero, whose chaotic persona outside the ring and vulnerability within it promises a box-office spectacle. Eimantas Stanionis, known for his toughness, also presents a challenge that Benn could potentially overcome over 12 rounds.

The Return to Where it Began?

Welterweight is the division where Benn initially forged his reputation, delivering a series of knockout victories against opponents like Chris Algieri and Chris van Heerden. However, questions arose about his early performances following a positive clomiphene test in 2022. Moreover, Benn has campaigned above welterweight for years, and his body may have acclimated to higher weights, raising concerns that the same arduous weight-cutting process that hampered Eubank Jr. could now affect Benn.

Few things in Conor Benn’s career are straightforward, and this decision is no different. He could flirt with middleweight or dabble at super welterweight, but if he truly aspires to be a world champion and not merely a headline attraction, then the choice is clear. He must return to the division he once threatened to dominate and rediscover the fighter he used to be. The boxing world awaits his move, especially the potential showdown with Mario Barrios, which could redefine his career.

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