Benn's Bold Challenge: McGregor Call-Out Ignites Boxing World, Eyes 2027 Return

British boxer, Conor Benn, has publicly issued a challenge to UFC superstar, Conor McGregor, expressing his desire for a high-profile boxing match upon his expected return to the ring in early 2027.

Benn, who holds a professional record of 25-2 with 14 knockouts, made his intentions clear by sharing a mock fight poster of the two on social media, accompanied by the caption “any day of the week.”

Benn's ambition for a significant opponent extends beyond McGregor, with sources indicating that boxing legend Manny Pacquiao is also on his wishlist for a potential bout. This comes as Benn plots his comeback after his most recent fight, a Round 2 knockout defeat to Ryan Garcia in September.

Prior to that fight, Benn had announced plans to move up to the 160-pound middleweight division after his welterweight championship contest in Las Vegas.

Conor McGregor, for his part, is currently recovering from an ACL injury sustained during his UFC return against Max Holloway in July.

The Irish MMA star also has contractual obligations, with four fights remaining on his deal with Zuffa Boxing and one fight left with the UFC. Both Zuffa Boxing and the UFC are led by Dana White and are under the umbrella of the same parent company, TKO Group Holdings.

Interestingly, Benn's former promoter, Eddie Hearn, who promoted him throughout his career until Benn sensationally joined Zuffa Boxing in February, has teased the possibility of a trilogy fight between Benn and Chris Eubank Jr.

The two boxers previously faced each other twice last year, with both events selling out Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and each fighter securing one victory. Hearn's move to promote Eubank Jr. followed Benn's departure from his stable.