Ryan Garcia and Conor Benn well into talks for summer showdown
Ryan Garcia and Conor Benn are “far along” on negotiations to stage a late-summer first WBC welterweight title defense by Garcia versus his top-ranked contender, an official connected to negotiations told Boxing Scene Wednesday.
A date and venue have yet to be established, according to the official, although August is being targeted. The bout will either be streamed by Netflix or DAZN.
Benn’s unanimous-decision victory over former 140lbs champion Regis Prograis Saturday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium allowed conversations to intensify with Garcia, who defeated Mario Barrios by wide decision February 21 in Las Vegas to win his first world-title belt after three prior attempts.
The 27-year-old Garcia 25-2 (20 KOs) posted his interest in fighting England’s Benn 25-1 (14 KOs) after Benn called Garcia out following Saturday’s bout, writing on “X,” “I’m down GARCIA VS BENN Let’s do it!!!!!”
Benn defeated Prograis by three 98-92 scorecards, but his performance against the now-retired fighter did not impress many who assess he’s better off fighting at junior-middleweight or middleweight.
Garcia then elaborated: “Mark my words: His corner or the ref stops my fight with Conor in the 6-7 round.”
Both fighters bring immense global popularity to the bout, and since Saudi Arabia boxing financier Turki Alalshikh spoke recently of staging a Garcia fight in the summer, it’s likely the bout will be presented by The Ring.
Benn fought Prograis after signing a one-fight, $15 million deal with Zuffa Boxing, which is partially backed by Alalshikh.
Conor Benn vs. Ryan Garcia - 12 September 2026
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Re: Conor Benn vs. Ryan Garcia - 2026?
Ryan Garcia appears to announce fight with Conor Benn as full details emerge
Ryan Garcia has suggested a deal to face Conor Benn next in a blockbuster world title clash has been finalised.
Benn recently defeated Regis Prograis in a 150lbs catchweight clash to keep his winning momentum.
And it ultimately set up a clash with 'King Ry' who currently holds the WBC welterweight world title.
The Briton is mandatory for the first shot at the American, and was immediately called out after his victory.
Benn then vowed to destroy his fellow commercial superstar and a fiesty build-up has already been gone.
It was revealed by Boxing Scene yesterday that the pair are now already in advanced talks over a blockbuster contest.
The pair look set to meet in August in Las Vegas with both Netflix and DAZN being eyed as potential broadcasters of the mammoth commercial event.
And Garcia later confirmed the bout will be happening when appearing on a live stream.
He said: "It’s gonna be in August. We’re gonna have it in Vegas.
“Yeah, we’re gonna eat that up. Conor’s about to get blasted, guys.”
Garcia is clearly on board with the prospect of taking on and attempting to beat Benn, against whom he will likely be the favourite.
Benn's reason for pursuing Garcia
Many have suggested that Benn could struggle upon a return to 147lbs.
'The Destroyer' fought at 160lbs for his two clashes with Chris Eubank Jr and did struggle to cut weight.
He struggled to make a statement against Prograis, who even revealed he was injured before the fight.
Nonetheless, the Briton is brimming with confidence and has had a career target.
Benn wants to replicate his father Nigel's success in holding the WBC title.
He said: "I think for me winning the WBC welterweight title is heavy on my heart and heavy on my mind.
“It’s the belt my dad won, it’s the belt I would love to win. It’s my dream.
“Garcia, I want my belt. You’re next, keep my belt warm.”
Ryan Garcia has suggested a deal to face Conor Benn next in a blockbuster world title clash has been finalised.
Benn recently defeated Regis Prograis in a 150lbs catchweight clash to keep his winning momentum.
And it ultimately set up a clash with 'King Ry' who currently holds the WBC welterweight world title.
The Briton is mandatory for the first shot at the American, and was immediately called out after his victory.
Benn then vowed to destroy his fellow commercial superstar and a fiesty build-up has already been gone.
It was revealed by Boxing Scene yesterday that the pair are now already in advanced talks over a blockbuster contest.
The pair look set to meet in August in Las Vegas with both Netflix and DAZN being eyed as potential broadcasters of the mammoth commercial event.
And Garcia later confirmed the bout will be happening when appearing on a live stream.
He said: "It’s gonna be in August. We’re gonna have it in Vegas.
“Yeah, we’re gonna eat that up. Conor’s about to get blasted, guys.”
Garcia is clearly on board with the prospect of taking on and attempting to beat Benn, against whom he will likely be the favourite.
Benn's reason for pursuing Garcia
Many have suggested that Benn could struggle upon a return to 147lbs.
'The Destroyer' fought at 160lbs for his two clashes with Chris Eubank Jr and did struggle to cut weight.
He struggled to make a statement against Prograis, who even revealed he was injured before the fight.
Nonetheless, the Briton is brimming with confidence and has had a career target.
Benn wants to replicate his father Nigel's success in holding the WBC title.
He said: "I think for me winning the WBC welterweight title is heavy on my heart and heavy on my mind.
“It’s the belt my dad won, it’s the belt I would love to win. It’s my dream.
“Garcia, I want my belt. You’re next, keep my belt warm.”
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Re: Conor Benn vs. Ryan Garcia - 2026?
Ryan Garcia next for Conor Benn says trainer: ‘147lbs will not be a problem’
Tony Sims has supported his fighter, Conor Benn, in the aftermath of his decision victory over Regis Prograis.
The 29-year-old Benn is now 25-1 (14 KOs) and remains the No. 1 contender for Ryan Garcia’s WBC title at 147lbs - the bout against Prograis, 30-4 (24 KOs), was set for 150lbs.
Even so, Benn was widely criticized for his performance against American veteran Prograis, who announced his retirement following the fight.
“It’s like, ‘Oh, he should have knocked him out,’” Sims said to Boxing Scene.
“And, you know, ‘it weren't a great performance for him’ and ‘Prograis was injured.’ Like, there's always something the matter with the opponent. Like, ‘Eubank was injured and he was injured.’ You know what I mean? But you flip it over to what we got. We got six weeks’ notice for this fight, right? That’s all we had, six weeks. Got Prograis just chucked at us. That was the fight. There was the date, six weeks to go. Got to get the weight off and fight a southpaw, who by the way, is a good southpaw as well. Tricky, counter-punching southpaw. Been two times world champion, never been stopped. And we’ve got six weeks to get ready. And Conor’s only ever fought one southpaw before in Chris van Heerden and that was like four years ago. The only bit of southpaw sparring he’s ever done was for that fight.
“I knew it was always going to be a tricky fight. It was a fight I would never have picked in a million years. But considering the time he [Benn] had, the timescale he had to get the weight off and fight a southpaw, I think he done really well. I did. And I felt, once he started his body punching, which I wanted him to do earlier in the fight, I thought he was getting to him. But aside from the head clashes with the cuts, I think he won really, really comfortable and clearly, really.”
Post-fight, Benn’s former promoter Eddie Hearn contended that Benn might be more effective at 160lbs, where he fought Eubank Jnr twice. But Sims said Benn, who weighed 149 1/2lbs for Prograis, is on his way down in weight.
“It’s going to be [Ryan] Garcia next, isn’t [it]? He's mandatory for that title. I don’t think Garcia can get out of it unless he vacates. So that’s his next fight, at 147. He made 149 in six weeks so he’s going to have plenty of time to take another two pounds off. So I think he’s going to be fine at that weight. But it’s just like you get short notice fights flopped on you and you’re trying to obviously get down to the weight and a southpaw chucked at you at the same time.
“It was a tricky fight. It was like a banana skin fight, really, knowing that you’re mandatory for the WBC as well. But he won it clearly. But like you say, he’s always going to get criticism. And if you look at people saying, ‘Oh, he ain’t knocked no one out in four fights’ well, hold it a minute. He’s fought a middleweight twice who, by the way, he had on the floor twice, and then the other two fights was both at super welterweight, which is out of his weight category as well, and he hurt both of them fighters in both them fighters. So we’ll see. He hurt Pograis in the first round as well. But listen, Pograis is experienced.”
Asked whether the fight was a “no-win” for Benn, in that if he blasted Prograis out, he would have defeated an aging champion who was injured, Sims replied: “Exactly. You know, and these excuses come out after fights. It’s the same with Eubank. ‘Oh, he was weight drained. He was ill. He was injured.’ But who says Conor Benn wasn’t weight drained and we only had short notice for a southpaw? No one says that. But I was actually pleased. I was pleased because I feel like he boxed him in the first half of the fight and then he stuck it on him in the last half of the fight. He’s not easy to catch clean, Prograis. You catch him in one shot and then he slips and slides the rest of them. He knows what he’s doing. So it was always going to be a tricky fight. I never once ever said that Conor Benn was going to knock him out, ever, for any interview. I knew it was going to be a tricky fight. Why would Conor Benn knock him out and not Josh Taylor or Jack Catterall? Do you get what I mean? I don't get why people are expecting him to do that.”
Benn is now being spoken about as an opponent for Garcia, of course, but also the likes of Shakur Stevenson as all eyes move to the future.
But Benn’s fight with Prograis heralded his first away from Matchroom Boxing. He signed to fight for Zuffa, while still training with Sims out of the Matchroom gym. That, Sims, says, is none of his business and he has stuck to the task at hand of simply coaching the 29-year-old.
“It’s nothing to do with me, none of that, is it?” said Sims. “I was just training him. “Like I trained the other fighters. So whoever they’re with, Matchroom or allegedly or anything, I just trained them. I ain’t got involved in none of it. I never got involved, do you know what I mean? Never got involved one bit. I didn’t even know what was happening to each side. I’m just a trainer and that’s it.”
Sims has now gone on vacation and will return hoping to have dates locked in for his heavyweight Johnny Fisher and light-heavyweight contender Craig Richards. They are training, in the meantime, with Sims’ assistant, former contender John Ryder.
Sims has also recently guided British and Commonwealth middleweight champion George Liddard to a successful defense of his titles against Tyler Denny.
Tony Sims has supported his fighter, Conor Benn, in the aftermath of his decision victory over Regis Prograis.
The 29-year-old Benn is now 25-1 (14 KOs) and remains the No. 1 contender for Ryan Garcia’s WBC title at 147lbs - the bout against Prograis, 30-4 (24 KOs), was set for 150lbs.
Even so, Benn was widely criticized for his performance against American veteran Prograis, who announced his retirement following the fight.
“It’s like, ‘Oh, he should have knocked him out,’” Sims said to Boxing Scene.
“And, you know, ‘it weren't a great performance for him’ and ‘Prograis was injured.’ Like, there's always something the matter with the opponent. Like, ‘Eubank was injured and he was injured.’ You know what I mean? But you flip it over to what we got. We got six weeks’ notice for this fight, right? That’s all we had, six weeks. Got Prograis just chucked at us. That was the fight. There was the date, six weeks to go. Got to get the weight off and fight a southpaw, who by the way, is a good southpaw as well. Tricky, counter-punching southpaw. Been two times world champion, never been stopped. And we’ve got six weeks to get ready. And Conor’s only ever fought one southpaw before in Chris van Heerden and that was like four years ago. The only bit of southpaw sparring he’s ever done was for that fight.
“I knew it was always going to be a tricky fight. It was a fight I would never have picked in a million years. But considering the time he [Benn] had, the timescale he had to get the weight off and fight a southpaw, I think he done really well. I did. And I felt, once he started his body punching, which I wanted him to do earlier in the fight, I thought he was getting to him. But aside from the head clashes with the cuts, I think he won really, really comfortable and clearly, really.”
Post-fight, Benn’s former promoter Eddie Hearn contended that Benn might be more effective at 160lbs, where he fought Eubank Jnr twice. But Sims said Benn, who weighed 149 1/2lbs for Prograis, is on his way down in weight.
“It’s going to be [Ryan] Garcia next, isn’t [it]? He's mandatory for that title. I don’t think Garcia can get out of it unless he vacates. So that’s his next fight, at 147. He made 149 in six weeks so he’s going to have plenty of time to take another two pounds off. So I think he’s going to be fine at that weight. But it’s just like you get short notice fights flopped on you and you’re trying to obviously get down to the weight and a southpaw chucked at you at the same time.
“It was a tricky fight. It was like a banana skin fight, really, knowing that you’re mandatory for the WBC as well. But he won it clearly. But like you say, he’s always going to get criticism. And if you look at people saying, ‘Oh, he ain’t knocked no one out in four fights’ well, hold it a minute. He’s fought a middleweight twice who, by the way, he had on the floor twice, and then the other two fights was both at super welterweight, which is out of his weight category as well, and he hurt both of them fighters in both them fighters. So we’ll see. He hurt Pograis in the first round as well. But listen, Pograis is experienced.”
Asked whether the fight was a “no-win” for Benn, in that if he blasted Prograis out, he would have defeated an aging champion who was injured, Sims replied: “Exactly. You know, and these excuses come out after fights. It’s the same with Eubank. ‘Oh, he was weight drained. He was ill. He was injured.’ But who says Conor Benn wasn’t weight drained and we only had short notice for a southpaw? No one says that. But I was actually pleased. I was pleased because I feel like he boxed him in the first half of the fight and then he stuck it on him in the last half of the fight. He’s not easy to catch clean, Prograis. You catch him in one shot and then he slips and slides the rest of them. He knows what he’s doing. So it was always going to be a tricky fight. I never once ever said that Conor Benn was going to knock him out, ever, for any interview. I knew it was going to be a tricky fight. Why would Conor Benn knock him out and not Josh Taylor or Jack Catterall? Do you get what I mean? I don't get why people are expecting him to do that.”
Benn is now being spoken about as an opponent for Garcia, of course, but also the likes of Shakur Stevenson as all eyes move to the future.
But Benn’s fight with Prograis heralded his first away from Matchroom Boxing. He signed to fight for Zuffa, while still training with Sims out of the Matchroom gym. That, Sims, says, is none of his business and he has stuck to the task at hand of simply coaching the 29-year-old.
“It’s nothing to do with me, none of that, is it?” said Sims. “I was just training him. “Like I trained the other fighters. So whoever they’re with, Matchroom or allegedly or anything, I just trained them. I ain’t got involved in none of it. I never got involved, do you know what I mean? Never got involved one bit. I didn’t even know what was happening to each side. I’m just a trainer and that’s it.”
Sims has now gone on vacation and will return hoping to have dates locked in for his heavyweight Johnny Fisher and light-heavyweight contender Craig Richards. They are training, in the meantime, with Sims’ assistant, former contender John Ryder.
Sims has also recently guided British and Commonwealth middleweight champion George Liddard to a successful defense of his titles against Tyler Denny.
Re: Conor Benn vs. Ryan Garcia - 2026?
You'd think that Garcia would be a big favourite in this but if the lethargic version turns up Benn could win it.
Interesting build up.
Is it planned for the UK or US?
Interesting build up.
Is it planned for the UK or US?
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smiling assassin
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Re: Conor Benn vs. Ryan Garcia - 2026?
Garcia could come off a 3 day bender and smash Benn. The only way Benn can beat Garcia is if he gets back on the eggs. His power is nonexistent since he popped. There is nothing in Benns arsenal that troubles Garcia, even a lethargic version
Re: Conor Benn vs. Ryan Garcia - 2026?
Garcia, compared to Benn, is rapid and can crack with either hand.
He can time him and probably drop him. Can see him doing that a few times, then coasting to a UD.
He can time him and probably drop him. Can see him doing that a few times, then coasting to a UD.
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Re: Conor Benn vs. Ryan Garcia - 2026?
With an on-form Garcia.
Benn would look clueless in there within a round.
He’ll have no 2nd gear and no new plan.
Benn would look clueless in there within a round.
He’ll have no 2nd gear and no new plan.
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Re: Conor Benn vs. Ryan Garcia - 2026?
I don’t think he’d beat Garcia even on PEDSsmiling assassin wrote: ↑16 Apr 2026, 11:33Garcia could come off a 3 day bender and smash Benn. The only way Benn can beat Garcia is if he gets back on the eggs. His power is nonexistent since he popped. There is nothing in Benns arsenal that troubles Garcia, even a lethargic version
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smiling assassin
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Re: Conor Benn vs. Ryan Garcia - 2026?
Na me neither mateSeanBrennan wrote: ↑16 Apr 2026, 14:08I don’t think he’d beat Garcia even on PEDSsmiling assassin wrote: ↑16 Apr 2026, 11:33Garcia could come off a 3 day bender and smash Benn. The only way Benn can beat Garcia is if he gets back on the eggs. His power is nonexistent since he popped. There is nothing in Benns arsenal that troubles Garcia, even a lethargic version
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Re: Conor Benn vs. Ryan Garcia - 2026?
How this fight gonna happen if he’s signed with Zuffa again.
Re: Conor Benn vs. Ryan Garcia - 2026?
Is Garcia just trying for a bit of pressure to make the fight, or is there something actually in it?
If you ask him, it's on. If you ask anyone else it's just wishful thinking.
I like the matchup, fan friendly all action is my take on it
If you ask him, it's on. If you ask anyone else it's just wishful thinking.
I like the matchup, fan friendly all action is my take on it
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Re: Conor Benn vs. Ryan Garcia - 2026?
After watching that fight, Hearn told Fight Hub TV that he believes Benn no longer possesses the punch power to hurt Garcia as a welterweight, siding with ‘King Ry’ in that potential scrap.
“Honestly, before Saturday, if I was his promoter, I would be saying that I think he [Benn] wins the fight, that I think that he can hurt him [Garcia] but that I think that it is a very tough fight.
“Now, I’m not his promoter, I still think that can hurt him but I don’t know if he can at 147lbs. I was watching that [Prograis] fight thinking, ‘you don’t look like you have any power or zip in your punches. Whereas, up at 154lbs at 160lbs, you looked strong’.
“Listen, it might have just been a poor performance, who knows?”
Re: Conor Benn vs. Ryan Garcia - 2026?
mickey1975 wrote: ↑12 Apr 2026, 05:06 We are underestimating how shot Eubank was in fight 1. In fight 2 he could barely move. Benn has completely had it off financially.
Right. Fair play to Benn for making a lot of dough. After all,that is the name of the game. But no way is he a world class boxer imo. And he knows it-
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Re: Conor Benn vs. Ryan Garcia - 2026?
“Ryan is fast. Ryan might catch him, but I think that Conor could catch Ryan [as well].
“Conor does have some power, and Conor reminds me of me when I was younger. I was just a dog – I came to fight and I was unpolished.
“That’s what Conor is. He’s strong; he’s going to come to fight; he has a chin; he’s durable.
“With Ryan, it would be interesting. It depends [on] who catches who first.”
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Re: Conor Benn vs. Ryan Garcia - 2026?
“Morning graft. Attack the days, make the days count. Remember, hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard. Remember, keep that belt warm for me. I’m coming for you boy, and what?”
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Re: Conor Benn vs. Ryan Garcia - 2026?
If they fight in Vegas there'll probably be tens of thousands of British fans flooding the city 
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Re: Conor Benn vs. Ryan Garcia - 2026?
Ryan Garcia suggests Conor Benn is next on September 12
Ryan Garcia has suggested that his next fight might occur on September 12 in Las Vegas, the same day that Canelo Alvarez is set to face Christian Mbilli in Saudi Arabia. Garcia alluded that the opponent will be England’s Conor Benn.
The declaration was made during a live stream with rapper 6ix9ine and, if true, might mean that Turki Alalshikh – who works with both Alvarez and Garcia – is plotting another international extravaganza; given the time difference between Riyadh and Las Vegas, the opening bells could be timed to complement each event.
Garcia, 25-2 (20 KOs), won the WBC welterweight title in February when he outpointed Mario Barrios over 12 rounds at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Sitting in first place in the WBC 147lbs rankings is Benn, even though he hasn’t competed in the weight class since 2022.
"My next fight is September 12," said Garcia. "I can't announce it yet, but there are some people from the UK that need an ass-whooping.
"The guy I might fight next is from the UK.
"It's gonna be in Vegas [at] T-Mobile [Arena]... You hear that, Conor Bum? My guy [6ix9ine] is gonna walk me out.
"Go get a goofy from England to walk you out."
Last week, however, Benn’s manager Keith Connelly was less committal about the arrangements but did confirm that the oft-reported negotiations between the two camps were ongoing.
“We’re in the middle of negotiating [Garcia-Benn], along with some other big fights,” he told Boxing News.
"I could see it happening, I could see it falling apart, but we’re targeting that fight right now.
"I think that’s a great fight for both guys. It’ll be a massive fight if it’s over here [in the UK] and it’ll be a massive fight if it’s in [Las] Vegas.
"It’s a sellout wherever it goes. I think we’ll know in the next couple of weeks where we’re headed, but that’s definitely the fight that we want."
Benn, who recently signed an extension with Zuffa Boxing, last fought in April when he outpointed Regis Prograis over 10 rounds. For that bout, which was his first since the two-fight foray up at middleweight that saw him go 1-1 with Chris Eubank Jnr, he weighed just under 150lbs.
Ryan Garcia has suggested that his next fight might occur on September 12 in Las Vegas, the same day that Canelo Alvarez is set to face Christian Mbilli in Saudi Arabia. Garcia alluded that the opponent will be England’s Conor Benn.
The declaration was made during a live stream with rapper 6ix9ine and, if true, might mean that Turki Alalshikh – who works with both Alvarez and Garcia – is plotting another international extravaganza; given the time difference between Riyadh and Las Vegas, the opening bells could be timed to complement each event.
Garcia, 25-2 (20 KOs), won the WBC welterweight title in February when he outpointed Mario Barrios over 12 rounds at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Sitting in first place in the WBC 147lbs rankings is Benn, even though he hasn’t competed in the weight class since 2022.
"My next fight is September 12," said Garcia. "I can't announce it yet, but there are some people from the UK that need an ass-whooping.
"The guy I might fight next is from the UK.
"It's gonna be in Vegas [at] T-Mobile [Arena]... You hear that, Conor Bum? My guy [6ix9ine] is gonna walk me out.
"Go get a goofy from England to walk you out."
Last week, however, Benn’s manager Keith Connelly was less committal about the arrangements but did confirm that the oft-reported negotiations between the two camps were ongoing.
“We’re in the middle of negotiating [Garcia-Benn], along with some other big fights,” he told Boxing News.
"I could see it happening, I could see it falling apart, but we’re targeting that fight right now.
"I think that’s a great fight for both guys. It’ll be a massive fight if it’s over here [in the UK] and it’ll be a massive fight if it’s in [Las] Vegas.
"It’s a sellout wherever it goes. I think we’ll know in the next couple of weeks where we’re headed, but that’s definitely the fight that we want."
Benn, who recently signed an extension with Zuffa Boxing, last fought in April when he outpointed Regis Prograis over 10 rounds. For that bout, which was his first since the two-fight foray up at middleweight that saw him go 1-1 with Chris Eubank Jnr, he weighed just under 150lbs.
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Re: Conor Benn vs. Ryan Garcia - 2026?
Conor Benn’s first world title shot set for September 12 in Las Vegas: “It’s personal”
Conor Benn looks set to deliver on a promise that he will fight for the WBC welterweight world title later this year.
Benn hasn’t fought at 147lbs in four years, having been out of action through two failed doping tests before returning at super-welterweight and, when permitted to fight in the UK, facing Chris Eubank Jr twice at middleweight.
His last outing in February came against Regis Prograis at a 150lbs catchweight, and the Brit now clearly feels he can cut back down to welterweight to enforce his mandatory position with the WBC.
Benn has made no secret that new champion Ryan Garcia, who beat Mario Barrios for the belt earlier this year, is his target. Now, speaking on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Garcia announced that the Benn fight made.
“I can say that we are fighting September 12th. It will be in Vegas, and the opponent, let’s just say he’s from the other side… Across the pond, I’m sorry. I’ll just say his name cause I love this show. His name is Conor Benn, and he’s talking crazy. He actually confronted me at an award show two years ago. My wife was there, and he grabbed me, pressed up on me. So it’s a little personal. We’ll be ready to go get him.”
of this date and match-up, yet no official word from the promotion – likely Ring Magazine – has arrived.
In fact, an update from Benn’s manager at the weekend painted a less secure picture, with Keith Connolly saying the fight was his top target but that it still ‘could fall apart.’
Garcia seems confident, however, and, since Benn is his mandatory challenger, there is little to stand in the way of it being his first world title defence.
Conor Benn looks set to deliver on a promise that he will fight for the WBC welterweight world title later this year.
Benn hasn’t fought at 147lbs in four years, having been out of action through two failed doping tests before returning at super-welterweight and, when permitted to fight in the UK, facing Chris Eubank Jr twice at middleweight.
His last outing in February came against Regis Prograis at a 150lbs catchweight, and the Brit now clearly feels he can cut back down to welterweight to enforce his mandatory position with the WBC.
Benn has made no secret that new champion Ryan Garcia, who beat Mario Barrios for the belt earlier this year, is his target. Now, speaking on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Garcia announced that the Benn fight made.
“I can say that we are fighting September 12th. It will be in Vegas, and the opponent, let’s just say he’s from the other side… Across the pond, I’m sorry. I’ll just say his name cause I love this show. His name is Conor Benn, and he’s talking crazy. He actually confronted me at an award show two years ago. My wife was there, and he grabbed me, pressed up on me. So it’s a little personal. We’ll be ready to go get him.”
of this date and match-up, yet no official word from the promotion – likely Ring Magazine – has arrived.
In fact, an update from Benn’s manager at the weekend painted a less secure picture, with Keith Connolly saying the fight was his top target but that it still ‘could fall apart.’
Garcia seems confident, however, and, since Benn is his mandatory challenger, there is little to stand in the way of it being his first world title defence.
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Re: Conor Benn vs. Ryan Garcia - 2026?
Ryan Garcia vs Conor Benn fight predictions
Abel Sanchez, World champion trainer: “Possibly a good scrap, Garcia has the psychological momentum, I think he has the feel of what his best approach to whomever is in the ring with him, Benn is still trying to figure out his identity in the ring, I think he has to pick a style and practice to perfection, he can probably outbox Garcia if he settles down and can be more authoritative in dictating his ring generalship, if not, Garcia’s power will determine the outcome.”
Larry Olubamiwo, Southern Area heavyweight champion: “Ryan Garcia destroys Conor Benn. Simple as that.”
Arijan Goricki, IBO title contender: “My prediction is Garcia by split decision. I think that Garcia speed will be something Benn didn’t experience yet. And probably judges will lean towards Garcia.”
Tony Tolj, Dragon Fire Boxing: “That fight will be huge, massive eyeballs on the sport, which is a good thing.
“If Garcia is on track and focused, I think its his fight to lose. He’s a great fighter, Connor is great fella, I’ve spent a bit of time with him and I would like to see him get the chocolates, but I think it may be just be a bridge to far to cross at the moment, but, in professional boxing, anything can happen.”
Burim Sylejmani, Fides Sports Promotion: “I believe Conor Benn will win this fight. He brings tremendous pressure, high intensity, and a very strong mentality into the ring. Ryan Garcia undoubtedly has great qualities, but in my opinion Benn is the more aggressive and hungrier fighter. If he puts Garcia under pressure early and makes the fight physical, I see the advantage on Conor Benn’s side.”
Tim Rickson, BBN Editor: “I think Ryan Garcia has the advantages over Conor Benn to win this – his speed, sharpness, power, greater experience at the top level.
“I’m picking Garcia on points.”
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Aqib Tahlat, BBN writer: “I think it’s more than a closer fight than people think.
“Benn brings relentless pressure, aggression and real spite in his combinations. At his best, he drags opponents into uncomfortable exchanges and forces a pace that can mentally break fighters down. His confidence and physicality would absolutely create moments in the fight, especially early when he’s explosive and dangerous.
“But Ryan Garcia gets the edge because of the level of experience he’s already had on the world stage. He’s shared the ring with elite names, handled massive events, and operated under intense pressure and scrutiny. That matters in a high-profile fight where emotions, composure and timing become just as important as power.
“Garcia’s speed is still probably the defining factor. His left hook is one of the quickest and most dangerous shots in boxing, and against an aggressive fighter like Benn, opportunities would naturally appear in transitions and exchanges. Benn’s forward pressure could actually play into Garcia’s counter-punching rhythm if Ryan stays disciplined.
“The biggest question is whether Garcia can handle sustained pressure over the second half of the fight. Benn would likely target the body, rough him up inside and try to turn it into a dogfight rather than a technical contest. If it becomes chaotic, Benn’s chances rise significantly.
“Still, the prediction leans toward Garcia because of the higher-level experience, sharper shot selection and ability to produce fight-changing moments instantly. Benn would have success and make it uncomfortable, but over the stretch, Garcia’s timing and world-level seasoning could separate them.
“Prediction: Garcia by late stoppage or competitive unanimous decision.”
Abel Sanchez, World champion trainer: “Possibly a good scrap, Garcia has the psychological momentum, I think he has the feel of what his best approach to whomever is in the ring with him, Benn is still trying to figure out his identity in the ring, I think he has to pick a style and practice to perfection, he can probably outbox Garcia if he settles down and can be more authoritative in dictating his ring generalship, if not, Garcia’s power will determine the outcome.”
Larry Olubamiwo, Southern Area heavyweight champion: “Ryan Garcia destroys Conor Benn. Simple as that.”
Arijan Goricki, IBO title contender: “My prediction is Garcia by split decision. I think that Garcia speed will be something Benn didn’t experience yet. And probably judges will lean towards Garcia.”
Tony Tolj, Dragon Fire Boxing: “That fight will be huge, massive eyeballs on the sport, which is a good thing.
“If Garcia is on track and focused, I think its his fight to lose. He’s a great fighter, Connor is great fella, I’ve spent a bit of time with him and I would like to see him get the chocolates, but I think it may be just be a bridge to far to cross at the moment, but, in professional boxing, anything can happen.”
Burim Sylejmani, Fides Sports Promotion: “I believe Conor Benn will win this fight. He brings tremendous pressure, high intensity, and a very strong mentality into the ring. Ryan Garcia undoubtedly has great qualities, but in my opinion Benn is the more aggressive and hungrier fighter. If he puts Garcia under pressure early and makes the fight physical, I see the advantage on Conor Benn’s side.”
Tim Rickson, BBN Editor: “I think Ryan Garcia has the advantages over Conor Benn to win this – his speed, sharpness, power, greater experience at the top level.
“I’m picking Garcia on points.”
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Aqib Tahlat, BBN writer: “I think it’s more than a closer fight than people think.
“Benn brings relentless pressure, aggression and real spite in his combinations. At his best, he drags opponents into uncomfortable exchanges and forces a pace that can mentally break fighters down. His confidence and physicality would absolutely create moments in the fight, especially early when he’s explosive and dangerous.
“But Ryan Garcia gets the edge because of the level of experience he’s already had on the world stage. He’s shared the ring with elite names, handled massive events, and operated under intense pressure and scrutiny. That matters in a high-profile fight where emotions, composure and timing become just as important as power.
“Garcia’s speed is still probably the defining factor. His left hook is one of the quickest and most dangerous shots in boxing, and against an aggressive fighter like Benn, opportunities would naturally appear in transitions and exchanges. Benn’s forward pressure could actually play into Garcia’s counter-punching rhythm if Ryan stays disciplined.
“The biggest question is whether Garcia can handle sustained pressure over the second half of the fight. Benn would likely target the body, rough him up inside and try to turn it into a dogfight rather than a technical contest. If it becomes chaotic, Benn’s chances rise significantly.
“Still, the prediction leans toward Garcia because of the higher-level experience, sharper shot selection and ability to produce fight-changing moments instantly. Benn would have success and make it uncomfortable, but over the stretch, Garcia’s timing and world-level seasoning could separate them.
“Prediction: Garcia by late stoppage or competitive unanimous decision.”
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Re: Conor Benn vs. Ryan Garcia - 2026?
Ryan Garcia tells Jimmy Fallon that Conor Benn is next
Ryan Garcia has selected Conor Benn as the man he’ll make his first WBC welterweight title defense against, telling Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show Monday that the bout will take place in Las Vegas on September 12.
The announcement comes a day after Saudi Arabia boxing financier Turki Alalshikh stated Canelo Alvarez will meet WBC super-middleweight champion Christian Mbilli earlier September 12 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on DAZN.
Garcia, 25-2 (20 KOs), typically fights on DAZN, and Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena is open to book for the traditional Mexican Independence Day weekend card.
After participating in consecutive main-event bouts versus Chris Eubank Jnr at England’s Tottenham Stadium – the first clash was the 2025 fight of the year and Benn avenged defeat in the rematch – Benn, 25-1 (14 KOs), returned to defeat former 140lbs champion Regis Prograis by unanimous decision April 26.
The move down to welterweight seemed to diminish Benn, but the son of Hall of Famer Nigel Benn followed the victory by signing a multi-fight extension with Zuffa Boxing.
That means bitter promotional rivals Oscar De La Hoya of Golden Boy Promotions and Zuffa’s Dana White, who doubles as UFC CEO/president, will be matching their fighters in the glamour-division clash.
It was not immediately clear if Paramount+, which streams Zuffa Boxing cards, will stream Garcia-Benn.
Garcia, 27, won his belt February 21, defeating Mario Barrios by unanimous decision after dropping the former champion in the first round.
Earlier Monday, Garcia told ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith that he strives to become the new face of boxing, replacing former stablemate Alvarez.
Garcia originally told Fallon his coming opponent was “from the other side,” drawing a puzzled look from Fallon, who wondered aloud if the foe was an alien from a UFO.
“No, he’s from England. I’ll just say his name: Conor Benn,” Garcia said, recounting a story of when Benn grabbed Garcia at an awards show two years ago.
Benn is the WBC’s No. 1 ranked contender.
Ryan Garcia has selected Conor Benn as the man he’ll make his first WBC welterweight title defense against, telling Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show Monday that the bout will take place in Las Vegas on September 12.
The announcement comes a day after Saudi Arabia boxing financier Turki Alalshikh stated Canelo Alvarez will meet WBC super-middleweight champion Christian Mbilli earlier September 12 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on DAZN.
Garcia, 25-2 (20 KOs), typically fights on DAZN, and Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena is open to book for the traditional Mexican Independence Day weekend card.
After participating in consecutive main-event bouts versus Chris Eubank Jnr at England’s Tottenham Stadium – the first clash was the 2025 fight of the year and Benn avenged defeat in the rematch – Benn, 25-1 (14 KOs), returned to defeat former 140lbs champion Regis Prograis by unanimous decision April 26.
The move down to welterweight seemed to diminish Benn, but the son of Hall of Famer Nigel Benn followed the victory by signing a multi-fight extension with Zuffa Boxing.
That means bitter promotional rivals Oscar De La Hoya of Golden Boy Promotions and Zuffa’s Dana White, who doubles as UFC CEO/president, will be matching their fighters in the glamour-division clash.
It was not immediately clear if Paramount+, which streams Zuffa Boxing cards, will stream Garcia-Benn.
Garcia, 27, won his belt February 21, defeating Mario Barrios by unanimous decision after dropping the former champion in the first round.
Earlier Monday, Garcia told ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith that he strives to become the new face of boxing, replacing former stablemate Alvarez.
Garcia originally told Fallon his coming opponent was “from the other side,” drawing a puzzled look from Fallon, who wondered aloud if the foe was an alien from a UFO.
“No, he’s from England. I’ll just say his name: Conor Benn,” Garcia said, recounting a story of when Benn grabbed Garcia at an awards show two years ago.
Benn is the WBC’s No. 1 ranked contender.
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Re: Conor Benn vs. Ryan Garcia - 2026?
Garcia claims Benn title defense set for Sept. 12
WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia has revealed that he will be fighting Conor Benn in Las Vegas on September 12.
Benn (25-1, 14 KOs) is the No. 1 contender for Garcia’s green and gold strap and the pair have been talking up a fight with one another for months.
Now, during an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, 27-year-old ‘King Ry’ claimed that the deal is done for a Sin City showdown this Mexican Independence weekend.
Garcia said: “We are fighting on September 12, it will be in Vegas. His name is Conor Benn.”
Garcia won the title via a unanimous decision victory over Mario Barrios in at T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas on February 21 and this clash with Benn would represent his first defense.
The Englishman meanwhile, outpointed Regis Prograis over 10 rounds at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 11 in his first fight since shocking the boxing world by signing for Zuffa Boxing.
He weighed in at 149.5 pounds for that fight but insisted he will be able to get down to welterweight for the first time since April 2022 in order to face Garcia for the title.
Benn has made no secret of his desire to win the WBC belt in particular given that it was the same title his dad Nigel, the two-weight world champion, held between 1992 and 1996.
Garcia also revealed he has wanted to fight Benn ever since he felt disrespected by him at an awards ceremony in 2024.
Garcia added: “He’s talking a lot. He’s talking crazy. He actually confronted me at an awards show two years ago. My wife was there, he touched up on me and grabbed me so it’s a little personal.
“We’ll be ready to go get him. Trust me, we will show him how it’s done.”
WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia has revealed that he will be fighting Conor Benn in Las Vegas on September 12.
Benn (25-1, 14 KOs) is the No. 1 contender for Garcia’s green and gold strap and the pair have been talking up a fight with one another for months.
Now, during an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, 27-year-old ‘King Ry’ claimed that the deal is done for a Sin City showdown this Mexican Independence weekend.
Garcia said: “We are fighting on September 12, it will be in Vegas. His name is Conor Benn.”
Garcia won the title via a unanimous decision victory over Mario Barrios in at T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas on February 21 and this clash with Benn would represent his first defense.
The Englishman meanwhile, outpointed Regis Prograis over 10 rounds at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 11 in his first fight since shocking the boxing world by signing for Zuffa Boxing.
He weighed in at 149.5 pounds for that fight but insisted he will be able to get down to welterweight for the first time since April 2022 in order to face Garcia for the title.
Benn has made no secret of his desire to win the WBC belt in particular given that it was the same title his dad Nigel, the two-weight world champion, held between 1992 and 1996.
Garcia also revealed he has wanted to fight Benn ever since he felt disrespected by him at an awards ceremony in 2024.
Garcia added: “He’s talking a lot. He’s talking crazy. He actually confronted me at an awards show two years ago. My wife was there, he touched up on me and grabbed me so it’s a little personal.
“We’ll be ready to go get him. Trust me, we will show him how it’s done.”
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Re: Conor Benn vs. Ryan Garcia - 12 May 2026
WBC champion Garcia announces Benn fight for September
WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia says he will face Britain's Conor Benn in Las Vegas in September.
Garcia, 27, won his first major belt in February when he beat Mario Barrios by unanimous decision, after two failed title bids.
Benn, 29, has never competed for a world title and is looking to follow in the footsteps of his father Nigel, who was a two-weight world champion.
"He's from across the pond - his name is Conor Benn. He's been talking a lot, he's talking crazy," Garcia said on Jimmy Fallon's Tonight Show.
"He actually confronted me at an awards show two years ago. My wife was there and he pressed me, grabbed me, so it's a little personal.
"We'll be ready to go. I'm going to put a whooping on this man."
Benn, 29, has not fought at welterweight since February 2024 after moving up two divisions in 2025 to face Chris Eubank Jr at middleweight, before beating Regis Prograis in April at a catchweight - 3lb above the welterweight limit.
Benn left previous promoters Matchroom to sign a one-bout deal with Zuffa Boxing in February and has since penned a multi-fight deal with the company, which is backed by UFC chief Dana White and Saudi Arabian capital.
Last month, Benn told BBC Sport Garcia was "good for boxing" but believes he is a "liability".
Garcia has won 25 of his 28 fights as a professional, losing two with one no-contest, and was suspended from boxing for a year between 2024 and 2025 after failing a drugs test.
Benn, who has lost just once in 25 fights, was also sidelined for a year amid a doping scandal.
Garcia v Benn will take place on 12 September, the same night Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez faces WBC super-middleweight champion Christian Mbilli in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia says he will face Britain's Conor Benn in Las Vegas in September.
Garcia, 27, won his first major belt in February when he beat Mario Barrios by unanimous decision, after two failed title bids.
Benn, 29, has never competed for a world title and is looking to follow in the footsteps of his father Nigel, who was a two-weight world champion.
"He's from across the pond - his name is Conor Benn. He's been talking a lot, he's talking crazy," Garcia said on Jimmy Fallon's Tonight Show.
"He actually confronted me at an awards show two years ago. My wife was there and he pressed me, grabbed me, so it's a little personal.
"We'll be ready to go. I'm going to put a whooping on this man."
Benn, 29, has not fought at welterweight since February 2024 after moving up two divisions in 2025 to face Chris Eubank Jr at middleweight, before beating Regis Prograis in April at a catchweight - 3lb above the welterweight limit.
Benn left previous promoters Matchroom to sign a one-bout deal with Zuffa Boxing in February and has since penned a multi-fight deal with the company, which is backed by UFC chief Dana White and Saudi Arabian capital.
Last month, Benn told BBC Sport Garcia was "good for boxing" but believes he is a "liability".
Garcia has won 25 of his 28 fights as a professional, losing two with one no-contest, and was suspended from boxing for a year between 2024 and 2025 after failing a drugs test.
Benn, who has lost just once in 25 fights, was also sidelined for a year amid a doping scandal.
Garcia v Benn will take place on 12 September, the same night Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez faces WBC super-middleweight champion Christian Mbilli in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Re: Conor Benn vs. Ryan Garcia - 12 May 2026
If only we lived in a world where they could both lose the fight.