Garcia Confirms Next Fight Details While Opening Door For Future Title Fight
Ryan Garcia (25-2, 20 KOs) has named Conor Benn (25-1, 14 KOs) as his first WBC welterweight title defence, confirming the September 12 date in Las Vegas.
The fight will take place on the same day as Canelo Alvarez vs. WBC super middleweight champion Christian Mbilli in Riyadh, which takes place on Mexican Independence weekend. Garcia claimed the WBC welterweight title on February 21, beating Mario Barrios by unanimous decision to win his first world title. Benn arrives in the fight having beaten former 140lb champion Regis Prograis by unanimous decision in April at a 150-pound catchweight. The win solidified his position as the WBC mandatory.
“No, he’s from England. I’ll just say his name: Conor Benn,” Garcia said
Garcia has also opened the door to a fight with WBO super lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson (25-0, 11 KOs) at 140 pounds, revealing his team believes he can make the junior welterweight limit without issue. Garcia had previously cast doubt on whether he would drop back down to 140 after spending much of the past year competing at welterweight, leaving the Stevenson fight in limbo unless Stevenson moved up. However, Shakur said he would only face boxers at 147 with a rehydration clause or meet them at a catchweight. That uncertainty now appears to have shifted after Garcia’s change in stance. Shakur has now responded positively to that.
“My strength and conditioning coach thinks I could make 140 comfortably. I trust the people and my team around me. If the opportunity presents itself, I would love to fight Shakur Stevenson,” Garcia
So then what we waiting for let’s get active @RyanGarcia https://t.co/YuDOKM6CrN
— Shakur Stevenson (@ShakurStevenson) May 18, 2026