Round-by-Round: Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn - September 12, 2026

[forcefraser]

The Benn/Eubank hype jobs are everything that's wrong with boxing atm.

This zuffa/saudi/jakepaul-era of fights being made regardless of weight or pro-boxing legitimacy is frankly ridiculous. But this is what 'fans' want....

I don't think Eubank is a great example here. He was actually competitive at a high level, picked up a few good wins and was part of the WBSS.

Benn has zero credible wins, went life and death with a journeyman and just got stopped in two rounds by a former lightweight.

I was thinking more in terms of hype behind the two Eubank- Benn fights. Very similar to the Haye v Bellew fights. You've got four fights there generating huge amounts of money off the back of fans believing these were some kind of super fights. They were pretty dull in reality

I quite enjoyed Benn v Eubank 1. The bottom line is we all knew why Hearns was putting Benn in with semi washed up old men and never even when near a half decent domestic welterweight

They played the marketing role well, built up this incredible media attention around him.

As we clearly saw, he is nowhere near world level, but for a guy with zero amateur experience and only starting boxing a decade ago, I'd say he has done pretty well to be at the level he's at now.

The first Eubank fight showed he is a tough bugger with plenty of guts and he obviously trains hard.

People say he's a nice fella off camera, comes across badly on it

[keithmoonhangover]

For me, it was, and always will be a question of which Garcia turns up.

You honestly think there is a version of Garcia that Benn would have beaten?!

I'm just not sold on Garcia, I mentioned pre fight that I think I underrate him. My original call was that Benn gets stopped, then I heard that Garcia was too heavy in the days leading up to the weigh in and thought any result was possible.

[Deserter]

For me, it was, and always will be a question of which Garcia turns up.

You honestly think there is a version of Garcia that Benn would have beaten?!

I'm just not sold on Garcia, I mentioned pre fight that I think I underrate him. My original call was that Benn gets stopped, then I heard that Garcia was too heavy in the days leading up to the weigh in and thought any result was possible.

[Kilburn]

Can’t really knock Garcia, he’ll probably never have fight that easy again in his career but it was a champions performance, delivered the goods emphatically. Heck I might even root for him in the future, certainly if he’s an underdog.

[a force]

Well said mate. We were clearly in agreement on the pre-fight thread and your comparison with Jennings proved to be right on the money.

Forgot the weight. Benn never has and never will earn the right to operate at this level. End of story.

It has baffled me more than any other build up this fight.

People who I’d consider knowledgeable boxing fans have lost their minds.

I’ve listened the boxing asylum podcast for years & they were talking as if it was a hard fight to call.

One said Garcia by majority decision.

On the build up thread on here there’s proper boxing people making out it was a tough fight to call.

I get DAZN pundits hyping a fight but I’ve no idea what anyone else was seeing if they felt Benn had a chance.

Isnt the boxing asylum just the two yank guys now. Last couple of months theres been no Rob, des, steve etc. Its absolute shite compared to what it was.

It’s definitely not what it was but I do a lot of driving for work & I still enjoy listening to it

[Grilling Machine]

- Would have been interesting if Benn could have got him past 5. Never going to happen

I said that with the caveat it could only have happened if Garcia didn't show up. He did.

Benn's tenacious and tough, but Garcia had no injuries, a presumably good camp, and was focused. I can't think of any great fighter who didn't have a bad night or two, and don't class Garcia as a great.

[joshj909]

For me, it was, and always will be a question of which Garcia turns up.

You honestly think there is a version of Garcia that Benn would have beaten?!

The Romero version of Garcia would still have easily schooled Benn given the gulf in experience, ringcraft and power.

I'm with A Force in terms of being utterly bemused by some of the pre-fight and post-fight comments (star prize for the latter going to the guy speaking with Don Charles who somehow thought that Benn had started really well and Rd 1 was evens )

Someone thought round 1 was even?

[Frostieballs]

- Would have been interesting if Benn could have got him past 5. Never going to happen

I said that with the caveat it could only have happened if Garcia didn't show up. He did.

Benn's tenacious and tough, but Garcia had no injuries, a presumably good camp, and was focused. I can't think of any great fighter who didn't have a bad night or two, and don't class Garcia as a great.

You said it before the fight.

I’m sure someone said it after watching!

[Deserter]

For me, it was, and always will be a question of which Garcia turns up.

You honestly think there is a version of Garcia that Benn would have beaten?!

The Romero version of Garcia would still have easily schooled Benn given the gulf in experience, ringcraft and power.

I'm with A Force in terms of being utterly bemused by some of the pre-fight and post-fight comments (star prize for the latter going to the guy speaking with Don Charles who somehow thought that Benn had started really well and Rd 1 was evens )

Someone thought round 1 was even?

Absolutely mental, right? It's the guy from Seconds Out (sorry, don't know his name) speaking to Don Charles - at the 1 min 30 mark he actually says:

"He started so well, I thought OK, maybe Connor Benn here has worked out the distance immediately. He's got inside, Ryan Garcia can't keep him off.. But he kept him off in the second. He put his shots together."

We all end up scoring some rounds differently, but that is just an absolutely mental interpretation of Round 1

[MightyWarrior]

Everyone piling in on Connor and kicking him when he’s down, but let’s give the kid some credit.

Yes, he was completely exposed, reminding us what a brutal sport this is, but he was absolutely fearless, and the swagger he brought, albeit delusional, had everyone watching and talking about this fight in the build up. He wasn’t some respectful, quiet forgettable challenger coming in saying he was going to do his best, he’s had a great training camp, Ryan’s a great champion etc etc in a fight that we’d all instantly forget and probably not even bother watching.

Or a Rolly Romero, staying out of range and sending us all to sleep, Benn insanely walked right into the fire, tried to chin Garcia and went out on his shield. Giving us a performance from the champion we will remember for a long time.

And don’t forget, the smartest fighter in the game, bud Crawford, actually thought Benn would win this. So how does a completely fake manufactured fighter manage to fool someone like Bud Crawford?

[stujones]

Everyone piling in on Connor and kicking him when he’s down, but let’s give the kid some credit.

Yes, he was completely exposed, reminding us what a brutal sport this is, but he was absolutely fearless, and the swagger he brought, albeit delusional, had everyone watching and talking about this fight in the build up. He wasn’t some respectful, quiet forgettable challenger coming in saying he was going to do his best, he’s had a great training camp, Ryan’s a great champion etc etc in a fight that we’d all instantly forget and probably not even bother watching.

Or a Rolly Romero, staying out of range and sending us all to sleep, Benn insanely walked right into the fire, tried to chin Garcia and went out on his shield. Giving us a performance from the champion we will remember for a long time.

And don’t forget, the smartest fighter in the game, bud Crawford, actually thought Benn would win this. So how does a completely fake manufactured fighter manage to fool someone like Bud Crawford?

Benn looks the part and aside from Eubank 1 (too small excuse) and wasn’t there a near early career slip up. Hes hardly put a foot wrong in his career.

Mike Tyson mark 2 also looked like an all time great vs Peter McNeeley.

I think it was easy to go for Connor to win, what had he done so wrong in his career that made people think he DEFINATELY couldnt step up? He was , and still is, a relative unknown quantity.

[Deserter]

Everyone piling in on Connor and kicking him when he’s down, but let’s give the kid some credit.

Yes, he was completely exposed, reminding us what a brutal sport this is, but he was absolutely fearless, and the swagger he brought, albeit delusional, had everyone watching and talking about this fight in the build up. He wasn’t some respectful, quiet forgettable challenger coming in saying he was going to do his best, he’s had a great training camp, Ryan’s a great champion etc etc in a fight that we’d all instantly forget and probably not even bother watching.

Or a Rolly Romero, staying out of range and sending us all to sleep, Benn insanely walked right into the fire, tried to chin Garcia and went out on his shield. Giving us a performance from the champion we will remember for a long time.

And don’t forget, the smartest fighter in the game, bud Crawford, actually thought Benn would win this. So how does a completely fake manufactured fighter manage to fool someone like Bud Crawford?

1. Credit? His behaviour has been a disgrace for years. I've never seen a British fighter prove so unpopular with knowledgable fans and that is entirely down to his arrogance and entitlement. He's constantly opted for the route of the 'bully', taking fights where he has the deck stacked iin his favour, versus facing a host of credible domestic and international fighters.

2. Absolutely fearless and went out of his shield? I saw someone who wanted out as soon as reality hit him. He didn't throw a single shot back against Garcia after the knockdown nd made no protests when the ref rescued him.

3. Smartest fighter? Bud's smart for sure, which is why when he's being paid to hype a fight he is going to do so.

I'll credit him with constructing a WWE heel-style persona to maximise his earning potential.
I"ll credit him with the courage to step in the ring.
I'll credit him for putting in the work.

But I think unusually for you, you are way wide of the mark here. The comments post fight aren't kicking him when he's down, they're a natural outcome of the years that have led up to this point.

There are countless fighters far more deserving of sympathy and support.

[joshj909]

Everyone piling in on Connor and kicking him when he’s down, but let’s give the kid some credit.

Yes, he was completely exposed, reminding us what a brutal sport this is, but he was absolutely fearless, and the swagger he brought, albeit delusional, had everyone watching and talking about this fight in the build up. He wasn’t some respectful, quiet forgettable challenger coming in saying he was going to do his best, he’s had a great training camp, Ryan’s a great champion etc etc in a fight that we’d all instantly forget and probably not even bother watching.

Or a Rolly Romero, staying out of range and sending us all to sleep, Benn insanely walked right into the fire, tried to chin Garcia and went out on his shield. Giving us a performance from the champion we will remember for a long time.

And don’t forget, the smartest fighter in the game, bud Crawford, actually thought Benn would win this. So how does a completely fake manufactured fighter manage to fool someone like Bud Crawford?

Benn looks the part and aside from Eubank 1 (too small excuse) and wasn’t there a near early career slip up. Hes hardly put a foot wrong in his career.

Mike Tyson mark 2 also looked like an all time great vs Peter McNeeley.

I think it was easy to go for Connor to win, what had he done so wrong in his career that made people think he DEFINATELY couldnt step up? He was , and still is, a relative unknown quantity.

First Cedrick Peynaud fight had Benn on the canvas twice in the first. That was before he looked like he was on the juice, although he was probably still on it.

[Deserter]

I think it was easy to go for Connor to win, what had he done so wrong in his career that made people think he DEFINATELY couldnt step up? He was , and still is, a relative unknown quantity.

Stu, how on earth do you come to this conclusion?
Just a reminder to all that Benn turns 30 later this month and has been a pro for a decade.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Everyone piling in on Connor and kicking him when he’s down, but let’s give the kid some credit.

Yes, he was completely exposed, reminding us what a brutal sport this is, but he was absolutely fearless, and the swagger he brought, albeit delusional, had everyone watching and talking about this fight in the build up. He wasn’t some respectful, quiet forgettable challenger coming in saying he was going to do his best, he’s had a great training camp, Ryan’s a great champion etc etc in a fight that we’d all instantly forget and probably not even bother watching.

Or a Rolly Romero, staying out of range and sending us all to sleep, Benn insanely walked right into the fire, tried to chin Garcia and went out on his shield. Giving us a performance from the champion we will remember for a long time.

And don’t forget, the smartest fighter in the game, bud Crawford, actually thought Benn would win this. So how does a completely fake manufactured fighter manage to fool someone like Bud Crawford?

Benn looks the part and aside from Eubank 1 (too small excuse) and wasn’t there a near early career slip up. Hes hardly put a foot wrong in his career.

Mike Tyson mark 2 also looked like an all time great vs Peter McNeeley.

I think it was easy to go for Connor to win, what had he done so wrong in his career that made people think he DEFINATELY couldnt step up? He was , and still is, a relative unknown quantity.

First Cedrick Peynaud fight had Benn on the canvas twice in the first. That was before he looked like he was on the juice, although he was probably still on it.

Didn’t he still win that fight? Was a 6-rounder I think. No way he won that on the cards.

Then the rematch I think was 8 rounds or 10. Can’t remember now.

That was his ‘early career loss’ that never counted.

[NazNaci1]

I think if you say something long enough and with enough conviction people, no matter how 'clued up' some may be, some will start to believe, even someone like Crawford.

We see it everyday. Some will always 'believe' or begin to believe.

The thing with Conor, all that bravado, screw-facing, 'I just want to knock out him out, right now' etc..talk, will get some people thinking, 'You know what, maybe?' and will wind others up.

The kid has balls, very fit and has made more money than 99% of people and he got a shot, not based on talent, but due to the act, the name. the contacts and the fact people were interested. That is not a criticism of him. That is a fantastic job and can't knock him for that.

What people, i think, have the issue with is the fact he was never very good, he comes across like a bit of a hooligan, talks a lot about wanting to, 'just smack him in the mouth', 'bury my fist in his face', etc..Then you have the whole egg debacle and weight clauses. He was given the breaks because it made the promoters and himself the money. Again, no issue with that.

Remember, this is a guy who when he started boxing, was a 'boxer', someone who jabbed and moved, got dropped by lower tier opponents, then, suddenly, he becomes a wrecking machine, taking apart over the hill opponents, journeymen in a few fights, then was caught taking illegal substances.

Even now, he is talking about fighting at 160-168. The guy has not even fought for a British title. It all comes across a bit arrogant and the fact he has made spades of cash doing it this way, he needs to take his criticism, when it comes.

He won't care what I or what anyone else thinks and that is fair but its hardly 'putting the boot in'.

[a force]

Everyone piling in on Connor and kicking him when he’s down, but let’s give the kid some credit.

Yes, he was completely exposed, reminding us what a brutal sport this is, but he was absolutely fearless, and the swagger he brought, albeit delusional, had everyone watching and talking about this fight in the build up. He wasn’t some respectful, quiet forgettable challenger coming in saying he was going to do his best, he’s had a great training camp, Ryan’s a great champion etc etc in a fight that we’d all instantly forget and probably not even bother watching.

Or a Rolly Romero, staying out of range and sending us all to sleep, Benn insanely walked right into the fire, tried to chin Garcia and went out on his shield. Giving us a performance from the champion we will remember for a long time.

And don’t forget, the smartest fighter in the game, bud Crawford, actually thought Benn would win this. So how does a completely fake manufactured fighter manage to fool someone like Bud Crawford?

Benn looks the part and aside from Eubank 1 (too small excuse) and wasn’t there a near early career slip up. Hes hardly put a foot wrong in his career.

Mike Tyson mark 2 also looked like an all time great vs Peter McNeeley.

I think it was easy to go for Connor to win, what had he done so wrong in his career that made people think he DEFINATELY couldnt step up? He was , and still is, a relative unknown quantity.

He’s a very known quantity.

He looked on a similar level to Campbell Hatton for a few years then got on a doping program & knocked a couple of shot, light punching 140 guys out in Algieri & Van Heerden out, then got popped & then has looked pretty dreadful ever since.

He looked poor in the Dobson fight, he effectively had two corpses in front of him in the second Eubank & Prograis fights & couldn’t finish either off.

I put the biggest bet I’ve ever had on boxing on Saturday night on him to get knocked out in the first 6 rounds. I couldn’t see any other outcome. He’s shown time after time that he has a poor defence & is way off world level

[a force]

I don’t get this ‘showing balls’ as if he deserves praise for it.

Most British fighters show balls in big Stateside fights.

Khan did throughout his career until he was at the end against Crawford, Burns showed huge balls when he fought the much bigger Figueroa, Jamie McDonnell showed balls beating Kamada twice, Callum Johnson had a war with Beterbiev, Brook took the first couple of rounds against Crawford & beat Porter as an underdog, Rees took a couple of early rounds against Broner, Barker showed balls against Geale, Liam Smith & Ryan Rhodes did against Canelo.

I’m sure there’s countless other examples too. It’s kind of what is expected isn’t it?