Ryan Garcia to defend WBC title against Conor Benn

Field Level Media|published: Tue 19th May, 14:08 2026

Nov 2, 2019; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Ryan Garcia (blue trunks) celebrates after knocking out Romero Duno (not pictured) in their WBC silver and NABO lightweight title bout at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Garcia won via first round TKO. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia will defend his belt against Britain's Conor Benn on Sept. 12 in Las Vegas.

Garcia, 27, announced the date and location of the fight in an appearance on "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon."

Garcia (25-2, 20 KOs) won his first major title on Feb. 21 in a 12-round unanimous decision over Mario Barrios.

"He's from across the pond -- his name is Conor Benn. He's been talking a lot, he's talking crazy," Garcia said. "He actually confronted me at an awards show two years ago. My wife was there and he pressed me, grabbed me, so it's a little personal.

"We'll be ready to go. I'm going to put a whooping on this man."

Benn, 29, is the son of former two-division world champion Nigel Benn and has never competed for a world title.

Benn (25-1, 14 KOs) most recently defeated Regis Prograis in a 10-round unanimous decision on April 11. Benn has not fought at welterweight since February 2024.

--Field Level Media

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