Ryan Garcia is set to return to the ring in December, aiming to compile a three-fight slate for 2026.
The 29-year-old captured his first world title in February with a unanimous decision victory over Mario Barrios, and followed that with a dominant two-round demolition of Conor Benn earlier this month.
With his stock at an all-time high, Garcia is eager to build momentum and establish himself as the sport’s next face, particularly as icons like Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez approach the twilight of their careers.
Benn represents the second British opponent Garcia has defeated professionally, following an impressive win over Olympian Luke Campbell in 2021.
Now, another UK welterweight, Conah Walker, has issued a challenge, asserting he can provide a far more formidable test than Benn did.
“Interesting Ryan Garcia saying nobody wants to fight him. I can you tell you right now you didn’t even fight the best welterweight in the UK in your last fight. If you want some smoke, I’m ready when you are, son.”
Interesting @RyanGarcia saying nobody wants to fight him I can you tell you right now you didn’t even fight the best welterweight in the UK in your last fight. If you want some smoke I’m ready when you are son.
— Conah Walker (@ConahWalker) September 29, 2026
Following a points defeat to former champion Lewis Crocker in 2024 and a successful comeback win over Lewis Ritson, former British champion Conah Walker has rattled off four consecutive knockout victories, each more impressive than the last.
The fan-favorite Brit now ranks third with the WBA and seventh with the IBF, closing in on a coveted world title shot.
After a proposed bout with former champion Brian Norman Jr collapsed, Walker is set to headline an event in Wolverhampton against WBO contender Alexia Rocha, ranked fifth. Meanwhile, Garcia’s next move remains uncertain, as the champion claimed top target Isaac Cruz has ducked him. A unification showdown with Teofimo Lopez remains his goal, though Lopez’s mandatory order to face Jack Catterall—who shares management with Walker—could derail those plans entirely.
