Top trainer Robert Garcia doesn’t believe the judges will be required come September 12 when Ryan Garcia defends his WBC welterweight world title against Conor Benn.
Benn was named mandatory challenger last year despite not fighting at the weight since 2022 and competing as high as middleweight on two high-profile occasions against Chris Eubank Jr.
When it comes to making his prediction, coach Garcia does not focus on how the weight cut – which Benn has admitted is ‘brutal’ – will affect the Brit, rather how Ryan Garcia will prepare.
The champion has blown hot and cold over the years, but Robert Garcia believes that fans will see a focused ‘King Ry’ come fight night, culminating in his 21st knockout win.
Speaking to Fight Hub TV, the highly-regarded trainer revealed that Garcia is ‘hurting’ sparring partners and struggling to find replacements.
“I think [Ryan] is in great shape for this one, because he wants to defend [his title]. He wants to be the champion, the best in the welterweight division. I see him training hard. For previous fights against Rolly [Romero], I don’t think he was focused. I think he should have a good performance. I think he should win by knockout.
“But, look, if there’s one [moment] he’s not focused, or Conor Benn is able to take his punch and goes into the later rounds, then we could maybe see a chance. But I don’t see that. I hear from people in Southern California looking for sparring partners because he’s been hurting sparring partners and they need to find new guys … I don’t think it goes twelve rounds. I think Ryan wins by knockout.”
Garcia-Benn tops the bill at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, with former cruiserweight world champion Jai Opetaia on the undercard.
