Connor Penn posted on social media today, letting his followers know that he wants WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios in his next fight for his belt in 2025.
It's a wise move for Penn to fight Barrios (29-2-1, 18 KOs) instead of moving up two weight divisions to face Chris Eubank Jr. at middleweight.
The bigger picture
A Eubank Jr fight will always be in the future for Conor if he wants it, but he could achieve a lot by winning the WBC welterweight belt from Barrios, who was seen as the weak link among the champions in this weight class.
Eubank Jr., 35, is seen by many as an old man who is incapable of achieving at the local level. It is not highly regarded in the UK or internationally.
If Penn can capture the WBC 147lb title from Barrios, some big fights will be up for grabs against these fighters:
– Ryan Garcia
-Devin Haney
– Teofimo Lopez
-Jaron “Boots” Ennis
– Manny Pacquiao
The opportunities for big-money fights will be endless for Conor if he can capture the WBC belt from Barrios. The 29-year-old Barrios was recently awarded the WBC 147-pound belt via an email from the World Boxing Council.
Barrios was initially the WBC interim champion after defeating a haggard-looking Yordenis Ugas via a 12-round unanimous decision on September 30, 2023. He was promoted to full WBC champion last year and defended the belt once, fighting to a 12-round draw. vs. Abel Ramos on November 15 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Barrios' performance was poor. He was dropped in the sixth round and appeared to be losing the fight. The judges gave him a draw, but many boxing fans believe he should have lost.
This will be the first world title challenge in the nine-year career of 28-year-old Penn (23-0, 14 KO), but better late than never. Penn didn't have the amateur background of some of the talented fighters who were quickly maneuvered into title shots soon after turning pro.
“No socials. 2025 – WBC World Champion,” Conor Penn said on social media, explaining that he is next targeting Mario Barrios for the welterweight title this year.
🔒in.
WBC World Champion 🔜 pic.twitter.com/C6ouQgTdFp– Conor Nigel Benn (@ConorNigel) January 2, 2025
