The American earned three-weight champion status when he took the WBO welterweight belt from Brian Norman Jr. over the weekend.

Victory now has him in the sights of the Briton, who scored his biggest career win in a rematch with Chris Eubank Jr. earlier this month.

But if Gwynne stops him in his tracks and delivers a first career loss, it could prove to be a serious blow for his ambitions of picking up a domestic or major belt.

Haney unloaded on Benn during a spot on The Ariel Helwani Show, describing the latter as Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn's "little puppet".

Now, the star has responded in kind, with a string of expletive-laden social media messages on X calling him out for a dance in the ring.

"You keep worrying about my achievements," he wrote. "The reality is you put people to sleep. I'll see you soon, I guarentee I'll staple you to the floor."

Benn has made no secret of his desire to drop back down from middleweight to his natural level and pursue world titles over the next year.

A bout with Haney would fulfil his wish for a shot at a major strap, though the star has also namechecked Mario Barrios as another option.

One title holder he does not plan to face is IBF champion Lewis Crocker however, despite the Belfast man pushing for a clash with him.

"I’m not really interested," he told Boxing News. "There's bigger fish to fry in my opinion. He is not really a name that is on my radar.

“For me, it’s about the 10-pound rehydration [clause]. I would rather win the WBC [belt], for me, that is my main goal, or a big American name."

Benn chasing blockbuster names with stock at career high

DAZN News correspondent Andrew Steel

Throughout the build-up to his victory over Chris Eubank Jr. this month, Conor Benn frequently seemed drawn to Mario Barrios as his priority.

Now, it seems that the star is willing to consider a host of options - as long as they can match his own career-high stock, either belt or not belt.

Devin Haney arguably represents the hardest test he could pick, but there's little doubt both men would bring in a blockbuster gate for a bout.

Rolly Romero and Barrios offer belts too, while Ryan Garcia - who Benn has feuded with too in recent weeks - would ensure some major sparks.

The decision to put Lewis Crocker to one side will surely infuriate the Northern Irishman however, effectively deemed to lack the name and draw.

That likely means the Belfast man could end up with his mandatory defence for his next bout - possibly in a trilogy with his rival Paddy Donovan.

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