Ryan Garcia to defend WBC welterweight title against Conor Benn in Las Vegas
Ryan Garcia will make the first defence of his WBC welterweight title against British challenger Conor Benn in Las Vegas on 12 September.
The 27-year-old champion revealed the blockbuster showdown during a television appearance on Jimmy Fallon’s Tonight Show in the United States.
This eagerly anticipated contest will pit the American titleholder against an opponent he claims to have a deeply personal rivalry with.
A bitter transatlantic feud
The Californian fighter explained that the animosity stems from an unprovoked physical altercation at an awards ceremony two years ago.
“He pressed up on me, grabbed me, so it’s a little personal.”
Confident of retaining his belt, the newly crowned champion promised a punishing night for his international rival.
“I’m going to really put a whopping on this man and we will send him back to the UK sipping on some tea.”
Contrasting paths to Las Vegas
The defending champion claimed his coveted belt in February by dethroning Mario Barrios with a wide unanimous decision.
During that impressive performance, the lightning-fast striker floored his opponent in the opening round to set the tone for a dominant victory.
Meanwhile, his upcoming opponent brings a formidable 25-1 professional record into this high-stakes desert encounter.
Benn building momentum
The British contender recently defeated former 140lb world champion Regis Prograis by unanimous decision in late April.
Prior to that victory, the explosive orthodox fighter engaged in two memorable stadium battles against domestic rival Chris Eubank Jnr.
Those consecutive main-event bouts saw him successfully avenge an initial defeat to win their spectacular 2025 rematch.