“BE READY” Conor Benn Accepts Shakur Stevenson’s Challenge
Conor Benn has dramatically reversed his position on fighting Shakur Stevenson, accepting the American’s challenge but only if he receives substantial financial compensation for agreeing to a strict rehydration clause.
The British welterweight posted a video message today that’s already making waves across boxing social media, declaring: “Hey Shakur, Wembley, locked in. Be ready. You want the rehydration clause, you gotta pay. I’ll still smash your arse.”
What Happened at Madison Square Garden
Shakur Stevenson called out Benn immediately after his dominant unanimous decision victory over Teofimo Lopez on Saturday night. The newly crowned four-division world champion didn’t waste time with pleasantries – he wanted Benn in the ring and he wanted specific conditions.
The 28-year-old Newark native proposed fighting at 147 pounds with a rehydration clause limiting Benn to 157 pounds on fight morning. That’s a 10-pound maximum weight gain after the official weigh-in, the same restriction Conor Benn imposed on Chris Eubank Jr. in their two fights.
Conor Benn entered the ring for the face-off but initially told reporters he wasn’t interested in the weight stipulations. Less than 48 hours later, everything changed.
Why the Rehydration Clause Matters
Here’s the controversy in plain terms: rehydration clauses exist to prevent fighters from extreme weight cutting tactics. A boxer might drain down to make 147 pounds, then balloon back up to 165-170 pounds by fight night after rehydrating and eating normally.
Stevenson, who naturally campaigns at lighter weights (he just won his super lightweight title at 140 pounds), doesn’t want to face a much larger opponent. Fair enough.
But Benn recently fought Eubank Jr. at middleweight (160 pounds). Dropping to 147 and staying under 157 the next morning means he can’t rely on his usual size advantage. It’s a legitimate sacrifice, which explains why he’s demanding proper compensation.
The irony? Conor Benn required the exact same clause from Eubank Jr. Now he’s being asked to live by his own rules.
Benn Wants Wembley Stadium
Beyond the financial demands, Benn made it clear the fight needs to happen on British soil. Specifically, he wants Wembley Stadium – the iconic 90,000-seat venue that’s hosted some of the UK’s biggest boxing nights in recent years.
“That will be my first fight back at 147 lbs,” Benn stated in earlier comments to IFLTV. Fighting at welterweight for the first time in three years against boxing’s hottest rising star would certainly warrant a stadium setting.
Eddie Hearn, Benn’s promoter, hasn’t publicly commented on today’s development yet, though he previously stated he wants Benn in a world title fight next.
Stevenson’s Other Options
While Benn-Stevenson generates the most buzz, the American champion has several alternative routes:
Dalton Smith just dethroned Subriel Matias to win the IBF super lightweight title in January. The Sheffield fighter would provide hometown opposition and a legitimate 140-pound championship bout.
Raymond Muratalla successfully defended his IBF lightweight title against Andy Cruz recently. Stevenson mentioned potentially returning to 135 pounds, making this a credible option.
Devin Haney represents the ultimate technical challenge. The WBO welterweight champion just impressed against Brian Norman Jr. in Riyadh, and a Stevenson-Haney clash would be a masterclass in defensive boxing.
Ryan Garcia continues to call out everyone at welterweight following his own weight class moves. The speed vs. speed matchup would be electric, though Garcia’s recent focus has been on the Barrios fight and possibly Romero afterward.
Can This Fight Actually Get Made?
That’s the real question. Both fighters are now publicly committed, but boxing negotiations involve multiple parties with competing interests.
Stevenson is promoted by Top Rank and fights on ESPN platforms. Benn is with Matchroom Boxing and typically appears on DAZN. Cross-promotional fights happen (we saw Crawford-Spence eventually materialize), but they require compromise from powerful stakeholders.
The financial ask from Conor Benn adds another wrinkle. How much is “enough” to accept the rehydration clause? That number could make or break these negotiations.
Then there’s the venue question. Stevenson suggested a UK stadium, showing willingness to travel. But will Top Rank invest in a massive production at Wembley when they could potentially make more money with the fight in the United States?
