2026-07-16 08:54:44

Conor Benn will fight Ryan Garcia for the WBC welterweight world title in Las Vegas on September 12.

The British boxer – who is now promoted by UFC chief Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing – is set for his first shot at a world title against Garcia, who will be making his first defence of the belt he won by beating Mario Barrios in February.

The two fighters engaged in a social media spat after the bout was confirmed.

Benn wrote on X: “You talk too much.

“I’m gonna smash your head in.”

Garcia responded: “I told you in person, you aren’t a good enough fighter to beat me.

“You forced yourself in this position…I will show the lesson of rushing into something you just aren’t ready for.”

White described the bout as a “great fight”, with the atmosphere given an additional edge by the fact that it will take place on the weekend before Mexican Independence Day (as Garcia is American with Mexican heritage).

He said: “This is such a great fight. Conor Benn has won 26 of his 27 professional fights and is coming off a big win in the UK earlier this year. Ryan Garcia is one of the biggest stars in boxing and a world champion. These guys are in their prime, and it’s a fight they’ve both wanted for a long time. They’ll come face-to-face for the first time today before stepping into the ring on September 12 during Mexican Independence Day weekend at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The energy in that place will be incredible.”

Garcia had hinted at the fight against Benn when he appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon earlier this year.

Announcing that he would be taking on an opponent from “the other side”, he said: “No, he’s from across the pond. I’ll just say his name: Conor Benn. He’s talking a lot.”

The pugilist suggested that the bout with Benn will be a “little personal” as he recalled how the British boxer grabbed him at an awards show in 2024.

Garcia said: “He pressed up on me, grabbed me, so it’s a little personal.

“I’m going to really put a whooping on this man, and we will send him back to the UK sipping on some tea.”

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