Conor Benn's next fight: Potential opponents following defeat to Chris Eubank Jr

Boxing expert Rob Tebbutt assesses the options for Conor Benn following his points defeat to Chris Eubank Jr in a British boxing classic at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Despite coming up short in his bout with Chris Eubank Jr, there are still plenty of options for Conor Benn’s next bout.

His performance against Eubank Jr, the naturally bigger man, was admirable. Benn’s early speed and explosiveness proved problematic for his opponent, and offered a glimpse into his potential, should he, as expected, return to welterweight in the near future.

Should he return to 147lbs, a long-mooted bout with WBC champion Mario Barrios could be on the cards. Benn is loftily ranked by the WBC and talks have reportedly taken place between the camps in the past. Barrios, a former opponent of Gervonta Davis, has also been linked to a potential bout with ring legend Manny Pacquiao. Benn may have to wait his turn.

Elsewhere in the welterweight division, Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis recently sparkled in unifying the IBF and WBA titles with a dominant sixth round stoppage of Eimantas Stanionis.

Ennis, also signed to Matchroom Boxing, has made no secret of his desire to become undisputed champion in his weight category. While a match-up between Benn and Boots seems unlikely to take place next, it could become more of a realistic proposition, should Benn pick up the WBC strap from Barrios.

Adam Booth on a potential rematch between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn

In defeat to Eubank Jr, the 28-year-old Benn showed he is capable of competing above welterweight. While staying at the middleweight limit of 160lbs may seem a futile experiment, a drop down to the 154lbs super-welterweight division could also be on the cards.

A long-discussed domestic showdown with Josh ‘Pretty Boy’ Kelly would be an interesting clash of styles; with the fleet-footed Sunderland star providing a stark contrast to Benn’s bullish, front-foot aggression.

However, the most likely - and biggest - fight would be a return bout against Chris Eubank Jr.

Their titanic tussle in Tottenham on Saturday night somehow managed to supersede the significant pre-fight hype, and a second instalment would surely generate huge pay-per-view purses for both men.

Benn proved he could at least be competitive at 160lbs, even hurting Eubank Jr at points in the bout. With his eyes fixed on a potential bout with Mexican star Saul ’Canelo’ Alvarez, it remains to be seen whether Eubank Jr will entertain an immediate rematch with Benn - or at what weight it would be.

After draining himself to make 160lbs and adhering to a 10lbs rehydration clause, it is likely Eubank Jr will want to dictate terms surrounding the weight in any proposed rematch. Whether Benn is willing to step in the ring with Eubank Jr without weight restrictions remains to be seen. It may prove unwise for a fighter with so much still in front of him.

Rob Tebbutt

• Matchroom
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