Conor Benn Targets Garcia In First Zuffa Battle

Garcia’s recent WBC welterweight title win over Mario Barrios makes him the most visible option. Benn was blunt in his assessment of that performance.

“I can’t say I was impressed,” Benn said to Sky Sports about Ryan’s victory. “I am no Barrios. I’d give him hell in there.”

Garcia’s timeline for a return remains unclear, and Benn has indicated he wants to stay active if that fight cannot be finalised quickly. He has mentioned Stevenson, Haney, and even Rolly Romero as realistic alternatives, signalling that his intention is to compete at the top end of the division rather than circle outside it.

Those are not simple fights to make. Stevenson and Haney have their own promotional structures, and Garcia’s next move will be carefully managed following his title win. Zuffa’s entry into boxing introduces a new dynamic into that equation. Whether that translates into easier negotiations or further resistance will be one of the early tests of Dana White’s influence in the sport.

Benn ruled out bouts with Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, describing both as too far removed from their peak to fit his objectives. A fight with Jake Paul was acknowledged as a possibility in the future, but not part of his immediate plan.

The only matchup outside welterweight that Benn continues to reference is Chris Eubank Jr. Their scheduled 2022 grudge fight collapsed and remains unfinished business. Benn has said he would move up to 168lbs if necessary to remove any debate over weight, should a third attempt be made.

“My goal is still to get the world title,” Benn said.

The ambition is clear. The question now is whether those callouts produce a genuine championship fight under the Zuffa banner or remain statements made at the start of a new promotional chapter.