Conor Benn could be set to challenge for a world title.
‘The Destroyer’ was last in action in April when he finally took part in his long-awaited battle with bitter rival Chris Eubank Jr. at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.
It was Eubank who was victorious, claiming the win by unanimous decision after 12 hard-fought rounds of action to hand Benn the first defeat of his professional career.
The pair are now in talks for a rematch, with September or the first week in October earmarked as the likely date, but Benn has now been offered the chance to fight for a world title instead.
Speaking to Sky Sports, WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman revealed that Benn could fight the winner of the upcoming welterweight title fight between Manny Pacquiao and Mario Barrios.
“[Benn] is right there. He’s No 3 ranked, right at the top. He has all the merits and he has the level to bid for the WBC title at any stage.
“If he doesn’t fight the rematch and he’s available and ready, then that could be one of the great fights of this year.”
Benn has already responded on social media to the comments from Sulaiman, making it clear that becoming WBC champion remains one of his goals.
“The green and gold belt will be over my shoulder before my career is done! The Throne is mine!”
Pacquiao challenges Barrios for his WBC welterweight title at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on July 19, returning to boxing after a four-year absence and looking to become the oldest 147lb champion in history at the age of 46.
For now, a rematch between Benn and Eubank Jr seems the most likely next step, but a return to welterweight to challenge for world honours could occur at some stage for ‘The Destroyer.’
