Ryan Garcia and Conor Benn finally collide in Las Vegas this weekend in a fight that has generated plenty of intrigue because of the contrasting routes both men have taken to get here.
Garcia makes the first defence of his WBC welterweight title after defeating Mario Barrios earlier this year, while Benn drops back to 147lbs for the first time since 2022 following spells at higher weights.
The Brit has admitted the weight cut has been ‘brutal’, adding another major variable to a fight in which Garcia’s speed and power will be tested against Benn’s pressure and aggression.
With both men carrying significant name value and plenty at stake, the biggest names in boxing have weighed in on what might happen – will it be a first successful defence for the more experienced Garcia, or can the Brit cause an almighty upset on away soil?
Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez
Speaking on the Ariel Helwani Show, Mexican icon Canelo backed his former stablemate Garcia, though complimented both men.
“I like Ryan, he is very talented. When he is focussed, he can beat everybody … I know Conor too and I like Conor too, but I think that Ryan is a special fighter.”
Terence Crawford
Recently retired pound-for-pound superstar Crawford – who has been embroiled in a back-and-forth with Garcia – told DAZN that the American’s loss to Rolando Romero will provide a good blueprint for Benn to win.
“I think Conor Benn. I think Rolly showed us all that if you don’t get hit with the left hook and you land your big shots, then you can neutralise Ryan. I think Conor Benn going in with a great game plan can be victorious.”
Shakur Stevenson
A potential rival for both men in the future, four-weight world champion backed Garcia in an interview with FightHype, but does not rule out the Brit ‘shocking the world’.
“I just don’t think that he has got the experience to beat Ryan, I think that is what is going to come out. But, I seen something with Fernando Vargas where he said, ‘which one of them guys quit?’, and I said ‘damn’.
“I never really thought about that but that is like a fighters mentality and Ryan did kind of quit in one of his fights and Conor Benn has never quit. It is an interesting thing and maybe Conor Benn may shock the world and beat Ryan Garcia but me, knowing Ryan, Ryan should beat him.”
Eddie Hearn
After a bitter promotional split, Eddie Hearn told Boxing News that he is backing Garcia to beat his former charge due to the drastic weight cut.
“If he gets his flush on the chin at 147lb against Ryan Garcia, the fight is over. So he’s got to rely on his ability but he likes to engage, he likes to jump in. Ryan is so reactive, he’s a great counter puncher but Ryan can also be hurt, but I don’t think Conor is going to punch hard enough at 147lbs.
Mike Tyson
The sport’s youngest ever heavyweight champion, Mike Tyson, backs Garcia to beat an improving Benn.
“Ryan [wins]. We’ll see [if it ends by knockout]. Conor’s getting better.”
The fight takes place this Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Jai Opetaia and Noel Mikaelian meet in a cruiserweight clash as co-main event.
