After lengthy negotiations, the teams of Ryan Garcia and Conor Benn have finally reached an agreement to make their fight official. The bout will take place in Las Vegas on September 12, with Garcia’s WBC welterweight world title on the line.
Finalizing the deal was far from easy, partly because of the strained relationship between the two fighters’ promoters, Oscar De La Hoya and Dana White. In the end, however, a formula was found that satisfied everyone. Golden Boy Promotions and Zuffa Boxing will co-promote the event, while the broadcasting rights will be shared by Paramount+ and DAZN.
Garcia became world champion in February by dominating former WBC titleholder Mario Barrios in a one-sided unanimous decision. After dropping Barrios in the opening round, “King Ry” controlled the remaining eleven rounds with ease. He now owns a professional record of 25 wins and 2 losses, with 20 victories by knockout.
Garcia’s world title triumph also marked his reunion with his father, who trained him and worked his corner for the championship bout.
Benn has not competed at welterweight since 2022, and many criticized the WBC for awarding him the No. 1 ranking despite his inactivity in the division. In his most recent fight, the British boxer defeated Regis Prograis by unanimous decision in a 150-pound catchweight contest. Prograis later revealed that he had entered the ring carrying multiple injuries that he had not disclosed to the medical commission.
Both Garcia and Benn have previously tested positive in anti-doping controls and served suspensions as a result. Garcia also saw the biggest victory of his career—his win over Devin Haney—overturned to a no contest after testing positive for ostarine.
The opening betting odds list Garcia as a clear favorite. “King Ry” is priced at 1.30, while Benn is available at 3.50. Garcia has already mocked his opponent’s abilities, joking in a video that watching just one round of Benn was enough to convince him he could beat him with ease. Whether the ring will prove him right remains to be seen.