Conor Benn calls out welterweight rival amid Mario Barrios title bout speculation

Conor Benn and Ryan Garcia could be set for a blockbuster welterweight battle, with the former telling the latter he will "knock you clean out" on social media.

The Briton is riding high after his middleweight revenge victory over Chris Eubank Jr. and is now seeking a return to his natural division to challenge for titles.

Benn has been frequently linked to Mario Barrios, the current WBC champion, but namechecked a slew of other options including Garcia over the weekend.

BUY NOW HERE: Ring IV live and exclusive on DAZN PPV for £24.99 / $59.99

Now, the two fighters have engaged in a spat across X, after the American said that he would "love it" if he had the chance to face off with him in the ring.

"Your head [is] next then," Benn wrote initially, before adding: "We can run it here in a stadium. I’m the money man. Come get it!"

Garcia responded by taunting his record against Matchroom fighters, adding: "I’m up 2-0 on Mr. Eddie Hearn  "[I] would love to make it 3-0 and head to the UK."

Ring Magazine

Benn fired back again, stating: "I don’t play games or waffle like you [Yanks] do [...] I’ll sign immediately and rest [assured], I’ll knock you clean out."

The war of words escalates an already busy division filled with contenders, with Brian Norman Jr. set to defend his WBO belt against Devin Haney on Saturday.

Is damaged Garcia right choice for Benn's next move?

DAZN News correspondent Andrew Steel

With his stock at a career-best peak after dispatching an out-of-sorts Eubank Jr. to manage what his father Nigel could not, Benn arguably has the world at his feet.

His determination to return to his old division suggests the matter of unfinished business too, and with a splintered championship roster, there's plenty of chances.

Garcia offers an intriguing proposition. Plenty of Benn's critics feel that an immediate title fight at welterweight is undeserved after his year-plus stint at middleweight.

Geoffrey Knott/Matchroom

Victory over the American would not only bring arguably the best pay packet possible on the table to his pockets, it would serve as a rallying standard for his prospects.

But after his no-contest rule against Devin Haney and a lethargic loss to Rolly Romero in May, Garcia arguably doesn't quite have the lustre anymore - and is a key risk.

His foes see him as damaged - and both victory and defeat to the man could seriously hinder Benn's stock in different ways compared to a title shot straight out of the gate.

Watch Ring IV Benavidez vs. Yarde live only on DAZN

David Benavidez vs. Anthony Yarde headline a star-studded Ring IV fight card in Riyadh this Saturday, November 22. Watch it exclusively on DAZN PPV for for £24.99 / $59.99

More information and to buy, click here.