Conor Benn has been presented with a potential blockbuster fight for 2026, with WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson expressing interest in a showdown under one clear condition. The proposal comes as Benn weighs his next move following a dominant points victory over Chris Eubank Jr in their middleweight rematch last month.
Both of Benn’s bouts with Eubank were contested with a 170lb rehydration limit on the morning of fight night, which proved particularly difficult for Eubank. While Eubank won their first encounter via unanimous decision in April, he appeared diminished in the rematch, which Benn controlled throughout to even the rivalry.
Benn has since stated his intention to return to welterweight, where he now holds the WBC number-one ranking. His preferred path has been a fight with the winner of WBC champion Mario Barrios vs Ryan Garcia, expected to take place early next year. Benn has shown little appetite for challenging IBF champion Lewis Crocker, whose title would require a 157lb rehydration limit.
Stevenson, however, has suggested a similar approach for a potential clash with Benn. Speaking with Ariel Helwani, Stevenson said he would be open to the fight after his January 31 bout with WBO super-lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez, but only with a rehydration clause in place. He explained that while he feels most comfortable at 135lbs, he believes his skill set would carry him at 147lbs despite the size difference.
The interest appears mutual, but the sticking point remains weight terms. With both fighters having strong views on rehydration limits, any meeting between Benn and Stevenson in 2026 would hinge on whether those conditions can be agreed.
Image Credit: The Ring