Promoter Eddie Hearn says his immediate focus for Conor Benn is securing a world title fight rather than pursuing a showdown with Shakur Stevenson. The comments came after Benn entered the ring following Stevenson’s dominant win over Teofimo Lopez at Madison Square Garden, where the pair discussed a potential future bout.
Speaking at the post-fight press conference, Hearn praised Stevenson’s performance and standing in the sport. He described the newly crowned four-division champion as a “generational talent,” noting that Stevenson made an elite opponent look ordinary and achieved his latest milestone without appearing to push out of first gear. While acknowledging Benn’s willingness to fight anyone, Hearn emphasized that a world title remains the priority.
Hearn pointed to other options in the welterweight division, including Benn’s face-off with Rolando Romero on the same night and ongoing talk of a potential clash with Ryan Garcia, pending Garcia’s upcoming bout with Mario Barrios. Stevenson, however, quickly called out Benn, insisting any fight would require a rehydration clause similar to the terms used in Benn’s recent bouts with Chris Eubank Jr.
Asked how a Stevenson–Benn fight might play out, Hearn suggested size could be a deciding factor. He said Stevenson is hardest to beat on a “level playing field” at lighter weights, while Benn brings natural size and punching power at 147lbs. Hearn added that Stevenson looked strong at 140lbs but maintained his preference to see Benn pursue a world title first, believing Benn will continue to improve with experience.
Stevenson’s manager Josh Dubin dismissed the exchange as opportunistic, saying the rehydration clause spoke volumes and accusing Benn of chasing headlines on Stevenson’s night. For now, Hearn’s stance is that big fights are possible, but a world title at welterweight remains Benn’s primary objective.
Image Credit: The Ring