In their latest high-profile acquisition, Zuffa Boxing revealed a deal with British superstar Conor Benn (24-1, 14 KOs). The promotion announced the huge signing via social media on Friday.
"The Destroyer" is coming off a one-sided, unanimous decision win over Chris Eubank Jr. in a November rematch of their bout from April of last year. We may not see a trilogy fight anytime soon, as Benn shut down any interest in a third meeting following the victory.
So, who will the native of London, England, face in his first bout under the Zuffa Boxing banner since he is open to bouts at different weights? We offer up seven options, including boxing icon Manny Pacquiao.
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At 25 years of age, Callum Walsh is rising rapidly as one of the top prospects in the sport. Through 16 fights, the native of Cork, Ireland, has yet to taste defeat. In January, Walsh overcame a knockdown in the sixth round to defeat Carlos Ocampo by unanimous decision. It was the only time "King" had hit the canvas in his four-year professional career.
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"Pacman" still aims to capture a championship title and isn't ready to hang up the gloves just yet. Manny Pacquiao fell short of that milestone in a draw against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios last July. The 2025 International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee is set to return for an exhibition match against Ruslan Provodnikov in April. At 47 years old, it would not be surprising if he fights once more, and it could come for Dana White and Zuffa Boxing.
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"Chema" took a wide unanimous decision loss against Walsh in January. However, the 14-year veteran had won three consecutive fights by stoppage before his last outing. Carlos Ocampo displayed some of his power as he connected with a left hook that caused Walsh's gloves to touch the canvas for a knockdown. Ocampo was handed a loss for the first time since a knockout defeat to Tim Tszyu in June 2023. He is another strong option already inside the promotion to face Conor Benn.
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"El Chino" is coming off an impressive fourth-round TKO victory against Austin Deanda in January. Misael Rodriguez overwhelmed Deanda with combinations, outlanding him 91-53. The win was the 2016 Rio de Janeiro bronze medalist's eighth stoppage victory through 16 professional contests. Getting a huge fight with Benn next is a real possibility.
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Shakur Stevenson moved up to 140 pounds for a clash against Teofimo Lopez in January. Stevenson's skills were on a different level, as he out boxed Lopez en route to a lopsided unanimous decision win. He claimed the WBO and Ring junior welterweight titles in the bout, becoming a four-division champion.
Shortly after his win, Stevenson called out Benn, who sat ringside. A heated altercation followed, with both calling for a showdown. The biggest issues is Stevenson would need to get out of his Matchroom deal to make a fight happen.
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Serhii Bohachuk defeated former WBA (Regular) welterweight titleholder Radzhab Butaev by split decision on Feb. 1. In a competitive and hard-fought battle, Bohachuk's output proved to be the difference. He landed a total of 317 punches, compared to Butaev's 225 total. Through Bohachuk's 27 wins, only three have gone the full distance. He could be an intriguing option for Benn's first bout in Zuffa.
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"King Ryan" will take on Mario Barrios for the 147-pound WBC title on Saturday night. Ryan Garcia has emerged as the favorite heading into the fight as he seeks his first victory since a knockout win against Oscar Duarte in December 2023. Benn expressed his interest in a clash with the winner of Garcia vs. Barrios. If Zuffa can get him, that would be another big win for the developing brand.
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