Ryan Garcia knocks out Conor Benn to retain WBC welterweight title

Ryan Garcia secured a second-round knockout victory against Conor Benn on Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The win marks Garcia’s first defense of the WBC welterweight championship he earned by defeating Mario Barrios earlier this year. Garcia pressured Benn from the opening bell, ultimately dropping his opponent with a short right hand before referee Thomas Taylor stopped the fight. The event drew 18,855 spectators and more than $8 million in ticket revenue. Following the win, Garcia expressed interest in a potential unification bout against WBA champion Teofimo Lopez. Garcia previously served suspensions for failed drug tests in 2024 and faced controversy for recorded comments, but he maintains that his recent ring performances establish him as a central figure in the sport.

• 6:33 AMYahoo Sports — Ryan Garcia says he's boxing's 'golden ticket' after Conor Benn KO, predicts Teofimo Lopez knockout