Ryan Garcia Retains WBC Welterweight Title Against Conor Benn

A Swift First Title Defense in Las Vegas

American WBC welterweight world champion Ryan Garcia successfully retained his title by stopping Conor Benn in the second round at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. In this first defense of his championship crown, Garcia handed the British contender only the second defeat of his professional career.

The decisive moment arrived in the second round when Garcia dropped Benn heavily with a powerful right hand. Although Benn beat the count, he was visibly unsteady, prompting referee Thomas Taylor to step in and halt the contest.

Weight Challenges and a Future Above Welterweight

The 29-year-old Conor Benn was competing in his very first world title bout and returning to the welterweight division for the first time in over four years. Having highlighted the significant toll of making the 147-pound limit, the Londoner confirmed that this was his final appearance in the division, planning to campaign at higher weights in future bouts.

Looking ahead, a potential trilogy fight against middleweight rival Chris Eubank Jr emerges as a leading option for Benn's return. The two rivals previously met twice last year at middleweight, with Benn dropping their first bout before claiming a unanimous decision victory in November.