Ryan Garcia Confirms Superfight Against Zuffa Boxing Star Conor Benn on Popular Late Night Show

Boxing superstar Ryan Garcia reveals that he will take on British star Conor Benn as his first WBC welterweight title defense.

Ryan Garcia Confirms Superfight Against Zuffa Boxing Star Conor Benn on Popular Late Night Show

Ryan Garcia confirms Conor Benn superfight (via Athlon Sports, Instagram)

Ryan Garcia remains one of the biggest young stars in modern boxing, and the 27-year-old recently added another major accomplishment to his resume by capturing the WBC welterweight title with a victory over Mario Barrios.

Following the win, speculation quickly grew over who would be the first challenger to test the newly crowned champion. Garcia has now officially confirmed that his first title defense will come against British contender Conor Benn.

Garcia’s journey over the past few years has been anything but smooth, with the polarizing star enduring both controversy and inconsistency inside the ring. His April 2024 majority decision victory over Devin Haney was later overturned to a no-contest after Garcia tested positive for Ostarine in both pre- and post-fight drug tests.

He then suffered a unanimous decision defeat to Rolando Romero in May 2025, raising further questions about his future. However, Garcia’s championship win over Barrios helped steady his career and re-establish his place among boxing’s elite.

Garcia recently appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where he reflected on his career, discussed winning the WBC welterweight title, and emotionally dedicated the belt to his father. During the interview, Garcia also addressed his plans and potential opponents. But when host Jimmy Fallon pressed him about his first title defense, Garcia paused briefly before revealing Benn as the man standing across from him next.

I can say that we are fighting September 12th; it’ll be in Vegas. The opponent, let’s just say he’s from the other side… He’s across the pond… I’ll just say his name just ’cause I love this show. His name is Conor Benn. And he’s talking a lot, he’s talking crazy. It’s personal. I’m really gonna put a whooping on this man.

Ryan Garcia via The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

Benn has been on a strong run in recent times, building momentum with major opportunities. He reportedly earned around $15 million from a single-fight contract when he faced Regis Prograis under Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing. The British welterweight is now signed to Zuffa Boxing on a multi-fight deal moving forward. White had also given the green light to the Garcia superfight just a few weeks ago.

There has been ongoing tension between Garcia and Benn over the past few years, with both fighters exchanging public criticism. Garcia had previously questioned Benn after he tested positive for clomifene in a VADA test ahead of his October 2022 bout against Chris Eubank Jr. The result led to the fight being cancelled. ‘The Destroyer’ was later cleared to resume fighting in 2024 after a lengthy review process.

Ryan Garcia has remained highly active in the public eye in recent times beyond his boxing commitments. He has also built a growing presence as an active streamer on Kick. More recently, he was involved in a controversy with UFC star Arman Tsarukyan over an unpaid $40,000 bet. Ultimately, it remains to be seen if ‘King Ry’ can maintain his winning momentum when he steps in the squared circle on September 12th.

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Ryan Garcia weighs in on the upcoming rematch between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao

The first fight between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao took place in May 2015 in Las Vegas and was billed as the “Fight of the Century” due to major global anticipation and commercial success. Mayweather won via unanimous decision after twelve rounds. The event generated around a whopping $600 million in total revenue and set a PPV record with over 4.6 million buys.

Ryan Garcia
Ryan Garcia (via The Ring Magazine)

Now, 11 years after their first fight, Mayweather is 49 years old while Pacquiao is 47. The two veterans are reportedly set for a rematch scheduled for September 19th, 2026. The announcement has revived debate around one of boxing’s most famous rivalries from the previous decade. Both fighters would be well beyond their competitive primes at the time of the proposed bout.

Ryan Garcia recently weighed in on the potential rematch and questioned the reasoning behind it. He said he does not want to see the fight because he believes it lacks excitement and relevance at this stage. The WBC welterweight champion suggested the first fight was already not highly entertaining and implied a second could be even less engaging. He also suggested financial motivation could be a factor.

Pacquiao’s essentially royalty. I don’t think Pacquiao’s broke. I don’t think he can go broke because people love him in the Philippines. They’ll always take care of him. He’s essentially the king. Mayweather, I’ve heard things, but I don’t know if he’s good, dude. I’ve watched a couple of YouTube videos that break down the burn rate Mayweather’s got. It’s probably his security. I used to have 24/7 security for like three months, and I saw the check. It was probably in the six figures.

Ryan Garcia via Modern Wisdom

The rematch has already become controversial due to conflicting statements about its format and staging. Mayweather has claimed the bout will be an exhibition and said it will not take place at the Las Vegas Sphere. ‘Pac-Man’ has responded by suggesting Mayweather took an advance on a full professional fight purse. Garcia’s comments highlight confusion and necessity around the matchup.

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