Eddie Hearn Predicts Ryan Garcia’s Dominance Over Conor Benn at Upcoming Showdown

Eddie Hearn has raised concerns about Conor Benn’s readiness for his welterweight clash with Ryan Garcia, casting doubt on the latter’s power and resilience.

The highly anticipated bout between Garcia and Benn is set for September 12 at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena, serving as a co-promotion between Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy and Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing.

While Garcia secured the WBC title by outpointing Mario Barrios in February—a comeback after a surprising points loss to Rolando Romero in May—he is now widely regarded as a top-tier welterweight contender.

In contrast, Benn’s career has been marked by victories against fighters nearing retirement, such as Chris Eubank Jr and Regis Prograis, raising questions about his ability to perform at the elite level.

Additionally, Benn has competed at 147lbs or above since his 2022 second-round stoppage of Chris van Heerden—a weight class that Hearn believes will challenge him significantly.

During an interview with K.O. Artist Sports, Hearn emphasized his skepticism:

“This fight is exciting for boxing, but I have reservations about Benn fighting at 147lbs. He previously competed at 160lbs, facing Eubank, and looked inexperienced at 150lbs against Prograis.

“Training intensely doesn’t compensate for the lack of power and technique at this weight. I don’t foresee Benn having the physicality or chin to handle Garcia.”

“Garcia, however, is a world-class technician with immense punching power. This could be a close fight, but Benn’s resolve and confidence might lead to a dramatic outcome.”

It’s worth noting that this rivalry carries added tension, as Benn departed Matchroom for Zuffa Boxing earlier this year, a move that may influence both fighters’ approaches.

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