A former three-weight world champion has discussed how Ryan Garcia’s pedigree and world-level experience could see him knock out Conor Benn.
The world welterweight champion secured his WBC title in February, dethroning Mario Barrios with a wide unanimous decision victory after scoring a first-round knockdown.
Conversely, Garcia’s first major title shot resulted in a devastating seventh-round stoppage defeat after Gervonta Davis landed a sickening body shot in their 2023 encounter.
‘King Ry’ then moved up to 140lbs but failed to make weight against Devin Haney, who he nonetheless defeated in 2024 before testing positive for banned substance ostarine.
This rendered his majority decision victory a no-contest and, following his year-long ban, Garcia was dealt a shock defeat against now-WBA welterweight champion Rolando Romero.
But despite each of these setbacks, the 27-year-old is now considered one of the leading operators at 147lbs, making him a sizable favourite against his upcoming opponent.
One of many who seem to be backing against him is British boxing icon Duke McKenzie, who has said on his YouTube channel that Benn would need a generous slice of luck to have any chance of defeating Garcia.
“I just don’t see him beating Ryan Garcia, because we’re talking about levels. Conor Benn might get lucky and knock him out … but I don’t see that happening.
“Ryan Garcia’s tried, tested, proven … and he has the mental strength of knowing how it is to be a world champion.
“He got knocked off that pedestal and climbed back up the tree – got his act together – and became a bona fide world champion.
“He’s got pedigree over Conor Benn. He was an outstanding amateur. I think Garcia will probably get him later in the fight – anywhere after the six-round mark.”
It was finally announced earlier this week that Garcia will defend his WBC title against Benn on September 12, with the pair colliding at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena.
