Ryan Garcia has assessed Conor Benn’s performance at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena, highlighting a critical mistake that contributed to his stoppage defeat.
The pair collided last weekend, with Garcia making a first defence of his WBC world title after dethroning Mario Barrios in February.
Benn, meanwhile, was widely considered to be a sizable underdog, having not made 147lbs in over four years and never proven his credentials at even domestic level.
It therefore came as no real surprise that Garcia won inside the distance; only the manner in which he went about his business was perhaps somewhat unexpected.
While many anticipated Benn lasting a few rounds, on account of his heart and durability, it ended up being a one-sided demolition job in favour of Garcia.
Immediately, the 28-year-old’s advantages in speed and class became apparent, with Benn ultimately succumbing to a crushing right hand in round two.
Referee Thomas Taylor then waved proceedings off around 20 seconds later, just as Garcia seemed on the verge of inflicting serious damage.
Speaking on the DAZN broadcast afterwards, the American said it was Benn’s lack of poise that allowed him to capitalise in such destructive fashion.
“I was so prepared and so focused – what a performance. The first round I knew he was going to apply mad pressure. I caught him a few times and I let him have his way, but the second round I stood my ground a little more and knew [I would catch him], because he was coming in reckless and you can’t do that against me.”
With Garcia retaining his welterweight title, he must enter one more fight with Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy before becoming a free agent and exploring opportunities elsewhere.
