Welterweight Title Bout Set
Ryan Garcia is scheduled to defend his WBC welterweight title against Conor Benn in Las Vegas on September 12. The highly anticipated fight will be broadcast live on Paramount+.
This upcoming bout marks a significant event for both fighters. For Benn, it will be his first world title fight in his professional career. Garcia, a prominent figure in boxing, secured the WBC belt earlier this year with a points victory over Mario Barrios in February.
Fighters Exchange Words Ahead of Match
Leading up to their September clash, both Garcia and Benn have engaged in a war of words. Benn expressed his determination, stating, “You talk too much. I’m gonna smash your head in.”
Garcia responded to Benn’s comments, asserting his confidence. “I told you in person you aren’t a good enough fighter to beat me,” Garcia said. He added, “You forced yourself in this position, I will show the lesson of rushing into something you just aren’t ready for.”
Benn, who has 26 professional fights under his belt, will be competing as a welterweight for the first time in four years. His professional record stands at 25 wins and 1 loss, with 14 knockouts. Garcia’s record is 25 wins and 2 losses, with 20 knockouts.
Benn’s Path to Welterweight Challenge
Benn’s journey to this welterweight title challenge has involved significant fights. Last year, he moved up to middleweight to face Chris Eubank Jr., the son of his father Nigel Benn‘s rival, Chris Eubank Sr.
In their initial encounter at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Benn experienced his first professional defeat, losing to Eubank Jr. on points. However, he secured a rematch in November, where he dropped Eubank twice and ultimately won by decision.
Following his middleweight contests, Benn began to work his way back towards the welterweight division. He defeated Regis Prograis in April, a fight that took place on the undercard of Tyson Fury‘s comeback bout, also held at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Since his victory over Prograis, Benn has openly targeted Garcia. He has expressed a clear objective: to win a world title. Benn aims to emulate his father, a renowned figure in British boxing, by claiming the WBC belt.
“I have just one goal and that is get the world title,” Benn previously stated. He also highlighted his increased focus and purpose in his training, noting that despite being comfortable in life, his work has become more relentless and intentional.
Garcia’s Recent Performances
Garcia’s recent career includes an upset loss to Rolando Romero, the WBA world champion, last year. However, he rebounded from this defeat with a strong performance against Mario Barrios in February.
In that fight, Garcia dropped Barrios and then outpointed him to claim the WBC 147lb belt. His upcoming defense against Benn will be his first since securing this title.
Reacting to the announcement of the fight, Garcia commented, “This one is for Mexico and the UK. Both want his a** clipped. Clout demon will be slayed.” The welterweight title will be on the line when Garcia and Benn meet on September 12.
Source: sports.yahoo.com