Contrary to the vast majority of predictions, it seems, Mike Tyson is unsure that Ryan Garcia vs Conor Benn ends inside the scheduled 12-round distance.
The pair will headline an event at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena on September 12, with Garcia making a first defence of his WBC title.
He became a world welterweight champion in February, dethroning Mario Barrios with a unanimous decision victory after flooring his man in the opening round.
This followed a points defeat to Rolando Romero in May 2025, which saw ‘King Ry’ produce a lacklustre performance after completing his year-long doping ban.
Benn, too, has previously tested positive for a banned substance, with a detection of clomifene leading to the cancellation of his 2022 encounter with Chris Eubank Jr.
‘The Destroyer’ did manage to revisit their domestic rivalry in April 2025, though, when an admittedly thrilling battle lent itself to a unanimous decision victory for Eubank.
Benn then won their rematch by the same verdict in November, at which point Eubank seemed particularly hampered by his gruelling cut down to 160lbs.
But still, many have credited Benn for showing signs of improvement, with Tyson backing Garcia while not quite bringing himself to predict a stoppage victory.
Speaking with FightHype, the former heavyweight champion gave respect to both men but ultimately expressed his belief in Garcia.
“Ryan [wins]. We’ll see [if it ends by knockout]. Conor’s getting better.”
While he may be an improving fighter, the 29-year-old has not fought at 147lbs since April 2022, back when he stopped Chris van Heerden in two rounds.
