The highly anticipated rematch between Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr. remains in a state of flux.
Promoter Eddie Hearn has now hinted at a significant alternative for Benn: a direct shot at a world title at 147lbs if the domestic showdown fails to materialise.
Speaking to Boxing Social, Hearn revealed that discussions are already underway for "The Destroyer" to potentially bypass the Eubank Jr. return and head straight for championship gold.
"We’ve spoken to PBC about the [Mario] Barrios fight," Hearn confirmed.
The proposed Eubank Jr. rematch, set for November, has been widely discussed since Eubank Jr. edged a narrow unanimous decision victory over Benn earlier this year in their first encounter at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
While Saudi Arabian boxing impresario Turki Alalshikh had announced a September 20 date for the sequel, Hearn indicated that confirmation remains elusive.
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"Obviously, we’re under contract to fight Chris Eubank Jr, so we do have to give him the opportunity to do that," Hearn explained.
"November is a more likely date. We’ve said to His Excellency [Turki Alalshikh] we will fight on that date, but we’re yet to hear confirmation yet.”
(Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing)
Conor Benn's natural weight class is welterweight (147lbs), where he remains undefeated, making a world title shot in this division a logical step if the Eubank Jr. saga continues to drag.
His previous fights against the likes of Rodolfo Orozco and Peter Dobson were fought at catchweights above 147lbs after his return from a previous doping controversy, but Benn has consistently expressed a desire to return to his optimal division.
Mario Barrios, a strong and active champion with a record of 29-2-2 (18 KOs), represents a significant challenge but also a clear path to a world title.
PBC, the promotional entity led by Al Haymon, manages a deep roster of top welterweights, making them a key player in any potential title fight discussions at 147lbs.
Hearn's comments signal a clear intent to keep Benn active and push him towards major honours, whether or not the Eubank Jr. rematch comes to fruition.
For fans, the prospect of Benn fighting for a world title in his preferred weight class adds another layer of intrigue to what is already a fascinating boxing landscape.
The coming weeks will determine if the Eubank Jr. rivalry continues, or if Conor Benn's path diverts towards a championship challenge.
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