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Barry McGuigan warns Conor Benn against immediate move to middleweight title fight

Hall of Famer Barry McGuigan has advised Conor Benn against jumping straight into a middleweight world title fight after his recent second-round stoppage by Ryan Garcia, suggesting 154lbs as a better route.

By Lee CoombsPublished 24 September 2026
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Barry McGuigan has urged caution for Conor Benn following the 29‑year‑old’s second‑round stoppage loss to Ryan Garcia earlier this month. Writing in his Mirror column, the Hall of Famer warned against Benn moving up and immediately challenging for the WBO middleweight title held by Denzel Bentley. McGuigan said Benn remains ‘‘box office’’ but must rebuild credibility, arguing a straight step into a world title fight would be ‘‘the last thing he needs’’. He also pointed to 154lbs as a more sensible alternative, where Benn would be less depleted and face a smaller size disadvantage than at middle or super‑middleweight.

McGuigan's view

Hall of Famer cautions Benn against an instant world title shot

In a Mirror column highlighted by Boxing News, Barry McGuigan warned Conor Benn against immediately targeting Denzel Bentley’s WBO middleweight title. McGuigan acknowledged Benn remains ‘‘box office’’ but said he ‘‘has to prove himself’’ after the defeat to Ryan Garcia. He added: ‘‘You can see the appeal – an all‑British clash for the belt his father once held. But that kind of engagement is the last thing he needs off the back of a devastating loss.’’ McGuigan’s comments came as Bentley has been ordered to defend his world title against mandatory challenger Yoenli Hernandez, a situation McGuigan believes Benn should avoid jumping into straight away.
Recent context

Garcia stoppage and Bennett’s recent middleweight outings

Benn, nicknamed 'The Destroyer', suffered a second‑round stoppage defeat to WBC champion Ryan Garcia earlier this month, a result Boxing News described as a comprehensive outclassing, with Garcia enjoying clear advantages in speed and skill. The loss intensified debate about whether Benn deserved a world‑level place so soon, and reignited questions over his prospects at lower weights, with talk of his struggles at 147lbs. Even before the Garcia fight, Benn had been publicly teasing a move to middle or super‑middleweight. He did, however, previously contest two bouts with Chris Eubank Jr. last year at middleweight — fights the source notes were against an opponent described as faded and affected by a 10lb rehydration clause.

Suggested alternative

McGuigan recommends 154lbs as a rebuilding route

McGuigan suggested a move to 154lbs as a preferable path for Benn rather than an immediate step up to face standard middleweight opposition. He argued that at 154lbs Benn would be less depleted and would not face the same size disadvantage he would encounter at middle or super‑middleweight. While recognising the commercial appeal of an all‑British clash with Bentley, McGuigan maintained that a world‑title engagement comes too soon after a ‘‘devastating loss’’ and that Benn should re‑establish himself before pursuing championship business at a higher weight.
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