LAS VEGAS (AP) — Ryan García waited a decade to claim his first world title, but just 4 minutes and 25 seconds were enough on Saturday to defeat Conor Benn in his first defense of the WBC welterweight crown. García (26-2, 21 KOs) predicted Benn would charge aggressively, saying, “In the second round, I got tired of him coming forward and decided to hold my ground… then landed a brutal shot.”
García’s precise right hand to the jaw knocked Benn down early in the second round, and moments later, backed into the ropes, Benn faced a flurry of punches that forced referee Thomas Taylor to stop the fight at 1:25. The crowd of 18,855 erupted as García cemented his reign. “He came in trying to fight, but he needs patience and more experience. I respect him more now,” said the champion.
García entered the bout as a strong favorite at -300 odds on BetMGM, meaning bettors needed to stake $300 to win $100. This fight was more than a headline event; it represented a pivotal moment for both fighters’ careers.
For García, it reaffirmed his status as a legitimate and formidable force in the 147-pound division, shedding the image of a talented but inconsistent star often overshadowed by controversy. The emphatic win opens doors to lucrative bouts against top welterweights such as Teófimo Lopez, who ringside, or a high-profile rematch with Devin Haney, also in attendance.
Conor Benn (29, 25-2), likely to drop back down to middleweight after this setback, continues to grapple with expectations amid the legacy of his father, former two-division world champion Nigel Benn. After the fight, Benn was taken to a hospital for observation.
In the co-main event, Jai Opetaia (31-0, 24 KOs) patiently handled cautious early rounds before stopping Noel Mikaelian in the ninth of a scheduled 12-round cruiserweight championship bout. Opetaia stunned Mikaelian (28-4) with a powerful combination and two crushing hooks, pushing him back to the ropes. Referee Harvey Dock administered a standing eight count before halting the fight by technical knockout at 1:30.
In heavyweight action, Da’Mazion Vanhouter (13-0, 10 KOs) wasted no time, knocking out Raphael Akpejiori (19-4) with a devastating right hand at 1:58 of the opening round in their 8-round contest.
Opening the main card, Andres Cortes (26-0) successfully defended his lightweight title by unanimous decision over Mark Magsayo (29-3), with all three judges scoring the fight 97-93 in his favor.
Fan Take: This event is crucial for fight fans as it solidifies Ryan García’s place among the welterweight elite and signals potential blockbuster matchups ahead that could electrify the division. Meanwhile, Benn’s setback serves as a reminder of boxing’s unforgiving nature and the legacy pressures fighters face, adding layers of drama and intrigue to the sport’s narratives.
Source: es-us.noticias.yahoo.com
