Garcia v Benn - welterweight world title fight predictions — SkimNews
Get the Sports newsletter
Daily sports — scores, transfers, the storylines from the leagues you actually follow. Free.
- Conor Benn returns to welterweight for the first time since April 2022 to challenge WBC champion Ryan Garcia at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, with live text commentary set for Sunday 13 September at 03:00 BST.
- Ryan Garcia, 28, makes the first defence of his belt after beating Mario Barrios by decision in February, holding a record of 25 wins — 20 by knockout — in 28 professional fights.
- Of 10 boxing figures polled by BBC Sport, nine picked Garcia to win, with former cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew the sole dissenter backing a Benn knockout inside eight rounds.
- Benn made weight but then piled on 32lbs in 12 hours, a detail that drew sharp criticism — Top Rank promoter Bob Arum said Benn 'doesn't even look recognisable' and predicted a first- or second-round knockout loss.
- Former two-weight champion Carl Frampton cited Benn's poor showing against an injured, one-legged Regis Prograis at a catchweight 3lb above the welterweight limit, saying the 29-year-old 'looked terrible' and could not 'put a dent in him.'
- Former undisputed light-welterweight champion Josh Taylor said if Garcia 'had the right mentality and trained properly,' he stops Benn within six rounds; otherwise, Benn survives but loses on points.
Why it matters: The experts' near-unanimity — and their repeated focus on Benn's punishing weight cut (32lbs regained in 12 hours after making weight) — frames this as a steep step up for Benn, who has not fought at welterweight since April 2022. For a 29-year-old with 25 wins in 26 fights chasing his first world title, the panel's doubts underscore how Garcia's speed and knockout power are seen as the decisive factors.
Ask SkimNews
