Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn: Who does Teofimo Lopez Jr. prefer fighting next?

After handily defeating Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero by majority decision Saturday night, Lopez will do his scouting of Garcia and Benn as the new WBA welterweight world champion. But who would Lopez prefer to face in a possible unification fight if he had his way?

Whether it’s Garcia retaining his WBC welterweight title or Benn snatching it from him, Lopez believes either scenario only has upside.

“I believe it’s a win-win regardless,” Lopez exclusively told DAZN News prior to defeating Romero. “I think it would be great to see myself fight across the pond and fight [Benn] over there in his turf.

“And for Ryan Garcia, it’s a no-brainer as far as that goes,” he continued. “I think me and Ryan in a unification here in the States, or somewhere like this, would be a big deal.”

Despite being a decorated three-division world champion, who has battled the likes of Shakur Stevenson, Vasiliy Lomachenko and Josh Taylor, Lopez has never fought outside of the United States, making the lure of clashing with Benn in London a savory proposal.

Then again, Lopez and Garcia did spend part of last year and earlier this year engaging in false starts for a fight they coveted against each other, but one they could never see to fruition. Plus, Lopez just defeated the same Romero who beat Garcia back in May 2025 and that only adds intrigue to the situation.

Though Lopez’ preference on a winner doesn’t tilt one way or the other, one goal is clear for ‘The Takeover’: march through this gauntlet on the way to become the first man to achieve undisputed glory at 147 pounds since Terence Crawford did it in 2023.

A victorious Lopez echoed that sentiment following his points win over Romero on Saturday night.

“I’m just looking forward to the next thing,” Lopez told DAZN's Chris Mannix. “This is the road to undisputed.”