Ring Slammed For Ranking Benn #4 After Clause-Aided Win

Conor Benn has been added to Ring Magazine’s updated top 10 middleweight rankings after beating Chris Eubank Jr. last Saturday night in their rematch in London.

Benn’s Clause-Aided Boost

The inclusion of Benn (24-1, 14 KOs) in The Ring’s top 10 has resulted in massive criticism from fans. His victory over the 36-year-old Eubank Jr. came with the aid of a 10-lb rehydration clause. The weight stipulation for the fight means Conor Benn was given a handicap.

That alone is enough for fans to view Benn as unworthy of entering the top 10. Moreover, Eubank Jr. is a 168-pounder who only came down to 160 to give Benn another handicap in addition to the 10-lb rehydration clause.

Ring Magazine’s middleweight updated top 10:

1. Janibek Alimkhanuly
2. Carlos Adames
3. Yoenli Hernandez
4. Conor Benn
5. Troy Isley
6. Etinosa Oliha
7. Aaron McKenna
8. Austin Williams
9. Chris Eubank Jr.
10. Denzel Bentley

Lara’s Absurd Omission

Having Benn on the Ring’s middleweight list cheapens it somehow, giving the impression that it’s more of a popularity contest rather than based on true talent and achievement.

A name that is missing from The Ring’s top 10 list is WBA middleweight champion Erislandy Lara, who was left off for some reason. Some fans believe he was omitted because he’s been inactive for 14 months since his last fight on September 14, 2024.

The Crawford–Lara Double Standard

That’s not a valid reason for Lara not to be included on the list because Terence Crawford was rated #1 in The Ring’s 154-lb rankings despite being inactive for 13 months leading up to his fight against Canelo Alvarez on September 13, 2025.

Middleweight Résumé Problem

Why Conor Benn doesn’t deserve to be rated in Ring’s top 10 at 160

• Benn’s record at middleweight is 1-1
• Not a middleweight
• Benn lacks a resume of high-caliber middleweight wins
• The rehydration clause aided Victory over Eubank Jr.

Benn’s lack of experience at middleweight against fighters from that weight class makes his placement on the list seem out of place. If he had beaten one of the fighters from the list, like Yoeni Hernandez (8-0, 7 KOs), for example, then it would make sense.

Benn should have to fight the talented Cuban Hernandez or Janibek Alimhnuly if he wants to be added to the list. It’s only fair that Conor run the gauntlet through those two and Lara.