While Ryan Garcia (25-2, 20 KOs) had been linked to a fight against WBO junior welterweight champion Shakur Stevenson and a rematch wth WBO welterweight champion Devin Haney, he’s instead reportedly in deep negotiations to face a much less high profile and competitive opponent, Conor Benn (25-1, 14 KOs).
The bout would serve as the first world title defense of Garcia’s career as he’d be defending the WBC welterweight title, which he captured against Mario Barrios on February 21. Following that win, Garcia initially called out Shakur Stevenson, but has since pivoted to a Benn matchup….perhaps because he doesn’t want to cut weight down to 140-pounds.
| Feature | Ryan Garcia (Champion) | Conor Benn (Mandatory) |
| Record | 25-2 (20 KOs) | 25-1 (14 KOs) |
| Last Outing | Def. Mario Barrios (Feb 2026) | Def. Regis Prograis (April 2026) |
| WBC Status | Reigning Champion | Mandatory Challenger |
Benn didn’t make a big statement in his April 11th decision victory over the 37-year-old Regis Prograis (who retired following the loss), but the win did solidify his status as the WBC mandatory challenger. Garcia has since accepted the call-out from Benn, saying he is next and that the fight will happen in August in Las Vegas.