Conor Benn has told Mario Barrios he is “ready” to be the next challenger to his WBC welterweight title.

 

Benn is preparing to fight again in 2025 having edged nearer to doing so when earlier in November the independent National Anti-Doping Panel lifted his suspension for two failed drugs tests in 2022. 

 

He also recently confronted Chris Eubank Jnr, who appears to remain his likeliest opponent, and yet in targeting the 29-year-old Barrios demonstrated that his long-term rival isn’t the only fighter in his sights.

 

“Hey Barrios, I hope that everything is good,” said Benn, in Spanish, in a video posted on social media. “I am ready for this fight. I’m sure it’s going to be a great night for the fans.

 

“Here in London or there in America, I’m ready. I’m coming prepared. Notify my team if you are. Let’s go.”

 

Benn, 28, last fought in February when he defeated Peter Dobson. His successful fight in September 2023 with Rodolfo Orozco was his first since April 2022, when he defeated Chris van Heerden. The victory over Van Heerden also represents his most recent in the UK; Benn then twice tested positive for the banned substance clomifene, leading to the abortion of his grudge match with Eubank Jnr and the suspension that has largely since kept him out of the ring. 

 

He intends on travelling to Hamburg in December, for the WBC convention, where he can potentially strengthen his hopes of fighting Barrios. Barrios fought to a draw with Abel Ramos earlier in November.