Conor Benn Makes Major Career Move to Zuffa Boxing, Sets Sights on Ryan Garcia
British welterweight contender Conor Benn has announced a significant career shift, departing from Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing to sign with Zuffa Boxing, the promotional company backed by UFC president Dana White. This strategic move positions Benn for larger opportunities in the United States, where the majority of major titles in his weight class are currently held.
Immediate World Title Ambition and High-Profile Targets
Conor Benn has made his immediate objective crystal clear: securing a world championship before the year concludes. In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports, Benn emphasized that his career goals remain steadfast despite the change in promotional representation. He is determined to pursue championship success and deliver the most significant fights possible for boxing fans.
The primary target is newly crowned WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia, who recently captured the title with a commanding victory over Mario Barrios. Benn, while acknowledging Garcia's conditioning and ability to refocus during the bout, stated he was not entirely impressed with the performance. He confidently asserted that he would present a far more formidable challenge to Garcia than Barrios did.
"I believe my speed, power, and aggressive fighting style would create serious problems for him," Benn told Sky Sports. "It would be an extremely entertaining contest for the fans."Multiple Avenues and Backup Plans
While the Ryan Garcia fight is the top priority, Conor Benn is keeping several other lucrative options on the table. He expressed a willingness to stay active if negotiations for the Garcia bout extend later into the year, naming other potential elite opponents:
- Rolando Romero
- Shakur Stevenson
- Devin Haney
Furthermore, Benn has not closed the door on a third encounter with domestic rival Chris Eubank Jr. Their storied rivalry includes two previous bouts, with Benn losing the first but winning the rematch decisively. Demonstrating his commitment to the matchup, Benn declared he would even move up to the super-middleweight division to ensure Eubank has no excuses.
"Despite our competitive history, I have respect for Chris," Benn noted. "But my absolute primary focus is on winning a world championship."
Strategic Shift to the American Market
The switch to Zuffa Boxing is a calculated maneuver by Conor Benn to align himself with a promotional force that can facilitate major fights in the crucial United States market. Benn explicitly stated that the U.S. is where the important titles reside and where he believes his career must progress to achieve his ultimate ambitions.
This move signals Benn's readiness to compete on the global stage against the very best in the welterweight division, with the WBC title held by Ryan Garcia serving as the immediate beacon. The boxing world now awaits to see if this promotional shift will indeed deliver the blockbuster fights Benn and his fans desire.
