Benn calls out McGregor for crossover boxing fight

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 27 Oct, 20:58 · Archive

Boxer Conor Benn has called out UFC fighter Conor McGregor for a potential crossover bout following his second-round knockout loss to Ryan Garcia.

Conor Benn has called out Conor McGregor for a potential crossover boxing fight following his recent defeat to Ryan Garcia. Benn was stopped in the second round of his world title challenge against Garcia in Las Vegas, knocked down by a brutal right hand before the American finished the bout. It was the first knockout defeat of Benn's professional career. The 30-year-old boxer subsequently shared a fight poster featuring himself and McGregor on social media, captioned 'Benn vs McGregor coming soon, 2027', and responded to speculation by stating: 'Any day of the week.'

Benn is understood to be interested in exploring potential terms with the UFC fighter. Boxing legend Roy Jones Jr has previously suggested that a crossover bout between the two would make sense, suggesting it could represent one of two major paydays for Benn before he considers bringing his career to a close. Jones also suggested such a contest could help Zuffa Boxing, the promotion Benn signed to in February, recoup its investment in him.

McGregor, 38, is no stranger to boxing. The former dual-weight UFC champion famously fought Floyd Mayweather in 2017, which became one of the highest-selling pay-per-view events of all time. He currently has one fight remaining on his UFC contract after ending a five-year hiatus in July, when he suffered a knee injury in the opening minute against Max Holloway and is still recovering.

Whether the bout materialises faces potential hurdles. Dana White, UFC president and head of Zuffa Boxing, has repeatedly shut down UFC fighters making the jump to Zuffa Boxing whilst under contract. However, both fighters are now under contract with White or his parent company TKO, which owns both the UFC and Zuffa Boxing. Some have speculated that White could allow McGregor to box under the Zuffa banner before his UFC deal expires, though this remains uncertain.

Meanwhile, Benn faces an uncertain future in boxing. He has previously expressed interest in a potential trilogy fight with long-time rival Chris Eubank Jr, though the 'Destroyer' has no plans to return to 147lb as he assesses his options. Benn is taking time away from the ring and plans to spend time with his family before returning to competitive action.

How it is being reported

• Conor Benn teases Conor McGregor fight with emphatic statementBenn last fought in September and was knocked out by Ryan Garcia, two months after McGregor injured himself in the first minute of his latest boutIndependent Sport · 27 Oct, 15:31
• Conor Benn accepts Conor McGregor boxing fightConor Benn's boxing future remains up in the air following his loss to Ryan Garcia, but the Brit has expressed interested in a mouthwatering clash with UFC icon Conor McGregorMirror Sport · 27 Oct, 14:36
• Conor Benn calls out Conor McGregor for lucrative crossover fight - as he looks to bounce back from brutal second-round knockdown by Ryan GarciaConor Benn has called out Conor McGregor for a potential crossover fight, just weeks after suffering a devastating defeat by Ryan Garcia.Daily Mail Sport · 27 Oct, 13:45

In this story: Conor Benn · Conor McGregor · Ryan Garcia · Floyd Mayweather · Max Holloway · Roy Jones Jr · Dana White · Las Vegas

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