Conor Benn Targets Ryan Garcia and World Title After Zuffa Boxing Switch, Rules Out Floyd Mayweather Jr. Bout
By Marko Tankosic
SME News Balkan. Conor Benn has set his sights on a blockbuster showdown with Ryan Garcia and a world title charge in 2026 after completing a high-profile move to Zuffa Boxing.
The British welterweight confirmed that his long-term objective remains unchanged despite leaving Matchroom Boxing. Benn insists the switch will accelerate his ambitions of conquering the American market and securing major “mega-fights” against the biggest names in the division.
Benn Eyes Garcia World Title Clash
Garcia recently claimed the WBC welterweight world title with a dominant win over Mario Barrios, positioning himself as one of boxing’s premier attractions in the United States. Benn, who considers himself the leading contender, believes a fight between the two would deliver fireworks.
“I’m the No 1 contender mandatory for the belt,” Benn said. “I respect what Garcia has achieved, but I believe I’d cause him serious problems. My speed, explosiveness and unorthodox style would make it a very exciting fight.”
If Garcia is unavailable until September, Benn has made clear he wants to remain active, targeting at least two or three fights this year.
Mega-Fights in America the Priority
Beyond Garcia, Benn named several elite American rivals as potential opponents, including:
- Shakur Stevenson
- Devin Haney
- Rolando Romero
“All the belts are in America,” Benn stated. “I want a piece of the American pie. The goal is a world title by the end of the year.”
The 29-year-old believes fighting Stateside aligns with his legacy ambitions, following in the footsteps of his father, former world champion Nigel Benn.
Mayweather and Pacquiao Ruled Out
Despite speculation linking Benn to high-profile exhibition-style bouts, he dismissed the idea of facing veteran icons such as Mayweather or Manny Pacquiao.
“They’re legends,” Benn said. “But my focus is on winning a world title, not fighting someone who’s past their prime.”
Open to Eubank Trilogy at 168lbs
Benn also confirmed he would accept a third fight with long-time rival Chris Eubank Jr. — even at super-middleweight (168lbs).
After splitting two dramatic contests at middleweight, Benn believes moving up again would eliminate any weight-related debate.
“I’d fight him at 168lbs to prove the point,” Benn said. “I’m the better boxer in every department.”
Legacy-Defining Year Ahead
With Zuffa Boxing backing his American ambitions and several marquee opponents in his sights, 2026 shapes up as a defining year for Benn’s career. Whether it’s Garcia for the WBC title, a showdown with Stevenson or Haney, or a trilogy bout with Eubank Jr, Benn is targeting the kind of fights that could cement his global reputation.
