Conor Benn has been eyed up as a potential opponent by a multi-weight world champion.
Benn is coming off the back of a tough fight against Chris Eubank Jr. His generational rival brought the best out of him across 12 rounds, but it was ultimately not enough for the 28-year-old to get the win, losing via unanimous decision to the bigger man.
Weight played a significant role in the fight as Benn competed at 160 pounds for the first time, and he has made it clear that, save for a contracted rematch, he will be moving back down to 147 to pursue championship belts.
He may not have to wait too long for his shot, because he has been called out by a former strapholder who, after four years away from the sport, is making a comeback at the top level with a world title challenge of his own.
Speaking to World Boxing News, Manny Pacquiao’s promoter Sean Gibbons has explained they were keen for ‘PacMan’ to fight Benn, but a challenge against champion Mario Barrios took precedence.
“We would have liked Conor Benn and would have liked Gervonta Davis, but Manny Pacquiao had one thing in mind … He started with the WBC world title, which was his first belt. This will be an amazing full-circle moment to win another WBC belt, and it won’t be his last. When he beats Mario Barrios, line them up.”
Pacquiao will challenge Barrios on July 19. He has not fought since he lost on points to Yordenis Ugás and is now 46 years old and a veteran of 72 fights, making the comeback controversial.
He and Benn – who is currently ranked number three with the WBC – were in tentative discussions years back for a bout. The Brit’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has criticised the Barrios match-up.
