Conor Benn has been confirmed as eligible to challenge the winner of the upcoming Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios fight for the WBC welterweight world title, despite his recent defeat at middleweight. WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman revealed that Benn retains a high ranking at 147lbs, keeping him in contention for the championship.
Benn, who faced Chris Eubank Jr. in a highly competitive middleweight bout earlier this year, is expected to pursue a rematch with Eubank in the coming months. However, this does not disqualify him from vying for the WBC welterweight belt, even though he hasn’t competed in the division since 2022. His last welterweight fight was a knockout victory over Chris van Heerden.
Sulaiman emphasized that Benn’s ranking is based on merit, stating, "He lost in middleweight, outside of his division, in a highly competitive, dramatic, great fight, so he is absolutely ranked in a high place." The WBC president also praised Benn’s performance, calling him a "sensational fighter" with a "great story."
Pacquiao, a boxing legend, and Barrios are set to clash for the WBC welterweight title on July 19 in Las Vegas. Should Benn opt out of a rematch with Eubank, he could position himself to face the winner of this high-stakes bout. "If he doesn’t fight the rematch and he’s available and ready, then that could be one of the great fights of this year," Sulaiman added.
Benn’s eligibility underscores the WBC’s ranking system, which allows fighters to maintain or even improve their standing despite losses, provided they deliver strong performances. Currently ranked No. 3 in the welterweight division, Benn remains a formidable contender for the title.
As the boxing world eagerly awaits the Pacquiao-Barrios showdown, Benn’s potential involvement adds another layer of excitement to the welterweight division’s future.
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