Garcia and Benn set to clash for WBC welterweight title in Las Vegas
Boxing insiders weigh in on the upcoming WBC welterweight championship bout between Ryan Garcia and Conor Benn, offering mixed predictions on the outcome.
Conor Benn will move back to the welterweight division for his first fight at that weight since April 2022, challenging WBC champion Ryan Garcia at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The 29-year-old Briton, who has a record of 25 wins and one loss, hopes to emulate his father Nigel by adding a world title to his résumé. Garcia, 28, is making his first defence after a decision win over Mario Barrios in February and holds 25 victories, 20 by knockout, in 28 bouts.
BBC Sport collected predictions from several boxing figures ahead of the match. One commentator said, "> This is a really good fight and it's not as one-sided as everyone thinks. I believe Conor Benn's heart is going to come into question and he's going to have to climb off the floor a couple of times. If Garcia has taken this lightly in any way he will lose, but he's in great shape and is saying the right things in the build-up. But I'm still going for a Conor Benn knockout inside eight rounds."
Another analyst noted Benn's recent performance, stating, "> Benn looked terrible in a catch-weight – 3 lb above the welterweight limit – last time out against an ageing Regis Prograis, and he couldn't put a dent in him. He looks like he's struggled with the weight cut and I don't get a good feeling, so I'll go with a comfortable Garcia win."
Supporters of Garcia highlighted his speed and experience, commenting, "> Garcia has speed, power and patience. Benn will force the pace and I think he walks on to a shot. I'll go with Garcia to get the stoppage inside five rounds."
A further prediction added, "> I think Ryan Garcia gets it done – and early. Conor Benn will come out like a steam train and that could be a problem. Garcia has the hand speed and serious experience around the ring – he's been doing this for longer than Benn – which might be a bit too much. Garcia to win between rounds four and seven, but it should be a fun fight for five or six rounds."
Live text commentary of the bout will begin on Sunday, 13 September at 03:00 BST on the BBC Sport website and app.