Conor Benn’s latest bout, an underwhelming win over a past-prime Regis Prograis, seems to have gotten Ryan Garcia to lick his lips at the proposition of fighting him next.
The British slugger returned to the ring Saturday, April 11, in the co-feature of Tyson Fury and Arslanbek Makhmudov’s Netflix card at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, and though much was expected of him having swapped Matchroom for Zuffa Boxing in a $15 million, one-fight deal, Benn seemingly flattered to deceive by failing to finish a 37-year-old veteran who was seemingly “badly injured” heading into the fight.
The 150-pound catchweight bout was also 10 pounds lighter than the middleweight division Benn competed in for his two-fight swing against generational rival Chris Eubank Jr.
He has long spoken of his desire to fight a big-name US-based fighter, with options including Shakur Stevenson, who yawned through Benn’s performance, and Garcia, who also commented about the prospective fight on X, formerly Twitter.
He said:
“I’m down — Garcia vs Benn. Let’s do it!”
A fight between Golden Boy Promotions boxer Garcia, and Benn, who will likely remain a Zuffa athlete, would prove box office in the build-up considering the way in which both fighters carry themselves and can sell a fight.
The time may also be right to book the bout next as Garcia, a recent entrant to the welterweight world title picture considering his mature performance against Mario Barrios, can provide Benn with a shot at the WBC belt he picked up from the prior champ, earlier this year.
Perhaps the only obstacle to such a fight taking place regards who broadcasts the event, considering Zuffa’s deal with Paramount+ and Golden Boy’s commitment and recent extension with DAZN.
Other options for Benn could include American technician, Devin Haney, Australian fighter Liam Paro, and fellow Brit, Jack Catterall. Rolando Romero, the WBA king, could — like Garcia — create a memorable promotion alongside Benn.
