Benn Hijacks Garcia–Haney Plans After Mandatory Boost

Conor Benn got the news earlier today with the WBC confirming that he’ll be the mandatory challenger for whoever comes out victorious in Ryan Garcia vs. WBC welterweight champion Marrios Barrios from their clash on February 21st, 2026.

Conor Benn Leaps to Mandatory Spot

Benn (24-1, 14 KOs) will be a disruptor here, as Ryan (24-2, 20 KOs) is hoping to face Devin Haney next if he gets his hands on the WBC belt from Barrios (29-2-2, 18 KOs) in February.

Step-Aside Talk Already Brewing

Turki Alalshikh may have to step in to persuade Benn to step aside to allow the Garcia-Haney rematch to happen if Ryan is victorious. To get already rich Conor Benn to step aside, it may take a small fortune. He wants that WBC belt and has an excellent chance of getting it from the Garcia-Barrios winner.

Earlier today, on Wednesday, December 3rd, the WBC revealed at their convention in Bangkok, Thailand, that Conor Benn had been made the #1 mandatory for the winner of the Barrios vs. Garcia fight.

The elevation of Benn has sparked a backlash from fans, who feel he doesn’t deserve to be moved into the #1 mandatory slot at 147, given that he hasn’t fought in the welterweight division since 2022. However, he looked like pure gold in his last fight, defeating middleweight Chris Eubank Jr. by a 12-round unanimous decision in their rematch on November 15th in London.

Pacquiao & Cissokho? Hard Pass

If not Benn, the alternatives ranked above him are dismal, with these three:

1. Manny Pacquiao
2. Souleymane Cissokho
3. Raul Curiel

Why WBC Chose Benn Over the Field

For fans and the WBC, who would you rather have the Ryan Garcia vs. Mario Barrios winner fight next? One of those three or Conor Benn? It’s understandable why the WBC chose to make Benn the mandatory challenger, as he brings value.

“Just got the news I’ve been made No. 1 in the WBC rankings, mandatory for the WBC title,” Benn said on X. “I’ll be watching Barrios vs. Garcia closely. I want the winner early next year. That WBC world title is mine. I’ll be coming for that belt, and Britain will have a new world champion. Let’s have it.”