Conor Benn is targeting Ryan Garcia for a fight in 2026 provided King Ry beats Mario Barrios, the WBC Welterweight Champion, in their expected fight on February 21.

Benn is ranked number one in the WBC welterweight division, despite not having boxed at the weight class since beating Chris Van Heerden in 2022. Since that fight, Benn has boxed at 154 (twice) and 160 (twice). His most recent fights were a loss to Chris Eubank Jr. in April and a revenge win in the rematch last month, both of which were at 160.

In his post-fight comments, Benn ruled out a trilogy fight, indicating his desire to move back down to 147. Conor also expressed interest in facing Shakur Stevenson after the latter ‘verbally agreed’ to face him if he beats Teofimo Lopez in his next fight on January 31. However, since then, Shakur has said he would like to defend his WBC Lightweight Title against Lamont Roach if he beats Teo.

It will be hard for Benn to get back to 147, as he may seek an interim bout at 154 or a catchweight before moving to welterweight. However, Benn’s manager Keith Connolly expects the fight to happen in early 2026 if Garcia beats Barrios.

“He showed discipline. He stayed within himself. Now the sky is the limit, and we expect to fight Ryan Garcia if he beats Barrios in the first half of next year,” Connolly said