Conor Benn has said his WBC title fight with Ryan Garcia is a “top priority” but warned that other big names in his American rival are now “begging” for a fight.
Benn has signed a multi-year, multi-fight deal with Zuffa Boxing after making his debut with the promotion by defeating Regis Prograis in a Tyson Fury bout at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last Saturday night.
The British star is a mandatory challenger for WBC welterweight champion Garcia, but Benn believes he is now in the race to take on a number of elite opponents.
“Obviously the priority is to finish the Garcia fight, but I’m not running out of options,” Benn told Sky Sports.
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Conor Benn wants nothing more than to fight Ryan Garcia next, and has expressed his eagerness to challenge the WBC champion. Video provided by Netflix and The Ring. Tyson Fury vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov now available worldwide only on Netflix
“A lot of fighters are reaching out to me, big names are reaching out to me.
“God willing, I will end the fight with Garcia for the title. I am number one for that belt and I have worked very hard to get to that position.”
“There’s plenty of fish out there even if Ryan doesn’t want it.”
The 29-year-old, who avenged his only loss by winning a rematch with Chris Eubank Jr. at middleweight last November, admits the reaction to his points victory over two-time world champion Prograis was amusing.
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Highlights of Conor Benn vs. Regis Prograis. Video provided by Netflix and The Ring. Tyson Fury vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov is currently available to watch worldwide exclusively on Netflix.
Ben said, “You know what’s funny? At the end of the weekend, all the fighters call me begging for a fight.
“After Eubank’s second game, no one called out to me, everyone went radio silent, so that shows their character.
“They see me go to the point at 150 pounds and they’re going to start making noise and calling me out.
“Maybe I was lucky to get points with Regis and go 10 rounds.
“What a lot of people miss is that this is the first rematch in four years at 150 pounds. Not only that, but it was announced six weeks in advance.
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Conor Benn says signing a promotional deal with Zuffa has unlocked the American dream and he plans to face Ryan Garcia next for a world title shot.
“Not many people can say they fought a two-time former world champion in a runout, won almost every round, and got down to 149 pounds.
“For me, it’s about being disciplined, going to the gym and being ready within six or seven weeks.
“If Ryan wants it, he can have it, if he wants it, he can have it tomorrow.
“But it’s news to me (about summer game negotiations).”
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Dana White is very excited to be starting Sky Sports in the UK and says Zuffa intends to fight the best fights with the best fighters possible.
Zuffa Boxing boss Dana White is positive about a “fun” match between Benn and Garcia.
“Every player we sign, we talk about what they’ve dreamed of, what they want to do, what their plans are for their career,” White told Sky Sports.
“We like hearing all that stuff.
“Obviously, I’m trying to fight the biggest fight you can.
“All the kids that are fighting alongside us think the same way.”
White: We want a lot of British talent
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Former cruiserweight world champion Chris Billam-Smith signs with Zuffa Boxing and already has his sights set on Jay Opetaia
Zuffa Boxing has also announced the signing of former WBO cruiserweight champion Chris Billum-Smith, and White expects to recruit further of Britain’s best fighters in the coming weeks.
“Let me put it this way: I’ve just signed a big deal with Sky and we’re going to bring a big game to England,” he said.
“Yes, I am looking for a lot of British talent.
“It’s not just the big names that you know. I’m also looking for up-and-coming young players who I think have the potential to become world champions.”
