Garcia v Benn – all you need to know

This post was originally published on this site.

Garcia v Benn – all you need to know

A side-by-side image of a shirtless Ryan Garcia and a shirtless Conor BennImage source, Getty Images
  • Published

Conor Benn will attempt to emulate his father Nigel by winning a world title when he faces WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia in Las Vegas on Saturday.

After a blockbuster 2025, in which Benn lost to Chris Eubank Jr before beating his bitter rival in the middleweight rematch, the 29-year-old returns to welterweight in pursuit of world honours.

American Garcia won the WBC belt in February with a hard-fought unanimous decision victory over Mario Barrios.

The 28-year-old, who has a record of 25 wins, two defeats and one no-contest, has home advantage with the bout taking place at Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena.

Will Garcia come through his first defence successfully? Or can Benn spring a surprise?

Here is all you need to know about Garcia v Benn.

How to follow Garcia v Benn on the BBC

Live text commentary on the BBC Sport website and app will begin at 03:00 BST on Sunday, 13 September.

What time are the ringwalks?

Garcia and Benn are not scheduled to make their ringwalks before 04:00.

All timings are estimated and subject to change.

Garcia v Benn undercard & running order

Ryan Garcia (c) v Conor Benn – WBC welterweight world title

Jai Opetaia (c) v Noel Mikaelian – Zuffa cruiserweight title

Damazion Vanhouter v Raphael Akpejiori – heavyweight

Mark Magsayo v Andres Cortes – lightweight

How do Garcia and Benn’s records compare?

Garcia won 15 national amateur titles before turning professional in 2016 and earning a first-round TKO victory on his debut.

He began his career as a lightweight but also featured at super-featherweight as he stitched together a 20-fight win streak.

Garcia beat Briton Luke Campbell by seventh-round TKO to win the interim WBC lightweight title.

His first career loss came in his 24th bout when he was stopped in round seven by fellow American Gervonta Davis.

In 2024, Garcia was handed a shot at WBC light-welterweight champion Devin Haney but he missed weight and was not eligible to claim the belt after picking up a decision victory.

That result was later overturned to a no-contest; Garcia was also handed a one-year suspension after failing a drugs test.

Garcia lost to Rolly Romero on his return in May 2025 but bounced back with a decision win over Barrios in February to claim his first world title.

Like Garcia, Benn turned professional in 2016 and enjoyed a similarly stunning start to his career, winning his first 23 fights.

In 2023, he was also suspended from boxing for failing two voluntary drugs tests.

His ban was lifted by the National Anti-Doping Panel, although he remained suspended by the UK Anti-Doping Agency (Ukad) and was unable to fight in the UK.

He fought twice in the United States – beating Rodolfo Orozco and Peter Dobson – before his ban was eventually lifted following a two-year battle with Ukad and the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC).

Benn’s first fight back in the UK ended in defeat against Eubank in April 2025, but he avenged what remains his sole career loss seven months later.

What belts are on the line for Garcia v Benn?

Garcia makes the first defence of his WBC welterweight title.

It is the first time Benn, who is ranked number one by the WBC, will compete for a world title.

Teofimo Lopez holds the WBA belt, with Liam Paro in possession of the IBF title and Devin Haney reigning as WBO champion.

Garcia v Benn fight-week schedule

Wednesday: Garcia v Benn first fight-week face-off

Thursday: Open workout

Friday: News conference

Saturday: Weigh-in

Sunday: Ringwalks expected about 04:00

More boxing from the BBC

Hot this week

AI will cure cancer in our lifetime, claims boss of UK chip giant

Arm Holding's chief executive Rene Haas says artificial intelligence will find a solution to the disease.

Prince George begins first day at Eton College

The 13-year-old will follow in the footsteps of his father, the Prince of Wales, by attending the elite private school.

Topics

AI will cure cancer in our lifetime, claims boss of UK chip giant

Arm Holding's chief executive Rene Haas says artificial intelligence will find a solution to the disease.

Prince George begins first day at Eton College

The 13-year-old will follow in the footsteps of his father, the Prince of Wales, by attending the elite private school.

UKEF backs £655m of Angola projects, unlocking £167m for UK firms

UK businesses will earn £167m in contracts to support...

Shetland spaceport project secures £30m of UK government investment

Several companies hope to use SaxaVord in Unst, the northernmost point in the UK, as a launch site for small commercial rockets.
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img