Conor Benn has confirmed that a highly anticipated clash with Manny Pacquiao is still on the horizon, targeting the first quarter of 2027. The former world champion disclosed to Sky Sports that he was formally offered a December fight against the Filipino icon but had to decline due to physical limitations. Benn, who recently suffered a stoppage loss to Ryan Garcia in Las Vegas in September, cited the grueling process of making welterweight as the primary factor preventing him from being match-ready for a high-profile bout next month.
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The timing of the potential rematch is critical, as Benn aims to avoid the weight-cutting struggles that impacted his recent performance against Garcia. By pushing the timeline to early 2027, Benn believes he can secure the necessary preparation time to compete at his peak. This strategic delay allows him to manage his body more effectively while maintaining the commercial viability of a fight against one of the sport’s most recognizable figures. Benn remains confident that negotiations can be restarted immediately to lock in a date within the next three months.
This development keeps the narrative alive for one of boxing’s most anticipated cross-generational matchups. While Benn’s recent loss to Garcia raises questions about his current standing in the division, the prospect of facing Pacquiao offers a lucrative and significant career capstone. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if promoters can finalize the details, as a Benn-Pacquiao bout would likely draw massive global attention regardless of the fighters’ recent form.
Source: Sky Sports
