British welterweight Conor Benn has taken his pursuit of a mega-fight into his own hands, revealing he has sent a direct message to American world champion Shakur Stevenson.
The move comes fresh off Benn's decisive points victory over domestic rival Chris Eubank Jr on 15 November, a result that avenged his first professional loss from their April clash.
From Domestic Grudge to Global Ambitions
Benn's two-fight series with Eubank Jr, both contested at middleweight, culminated in a dramatic final round where Benn scored two knockdowns to secure a decision win. Despite this success at a higher weight, Benn has consistently stated his intention to return to the welterweight division, where he aims to eventually capture a world title.
However, the 29-year-old's ambitions extend beyond titles to facing the biggest names in the sport. This has led him to Stevenson, the unbeaten WBC lightweight titleholder and a former champion at featherweight and super-featherweight.
The Path to a Benn-Stevenson Showdown
A fight between Benn and the 28-year-old Stevenson would necessitate the American moving up in weight, a transition he is already planning. Stevenson is currently closing in on a significant bout for early 2026 against Teofimo Lopez, the WBO super-lightweight champion.
Benn provided details of his direct approach to The Ring magazine, stating, "I messaged Shakur. I said: 'Listen, if you're really about it, let's do it next. I don't just do the social-media thing for bants.'"
He reportedly proposed an April timeline, to which Stevenson responded, "Cool. Let me get Teo out the way. We'll do it in April." Benn acknowledged the challenge Stevenson faces, calling the potential Lopez fight a "hard fight" and a "close, 50/50" contest.
Other Big Names on Benn's Radar
Stevenson is not the only high-profile American fighter in Benn's sights. The Briton has also expressed interest in a bout with Ryan Garcia, who recently moved up to the welterweight division.
Furthermore, Benn was a ringside observer in Saudi Arabia for Devin Haney's welterweight world title victory over Brian Norman Jr. Benn was unimpressed, criticising the unbeaten champion's performance by saying Haney was "scared of his own shadow."
Haney's second fight at welterweight followed his divisional debut in May, an event that also featured Garcia's first welterweight bout, which he lost to Rolly Romero, and Lopez's masterclass victory over Arnold Barboza Jr.
