Carl Froch has expressed doubt that Conor Benn will be able to defeat Ryan Garcia this Saturday when Benn, the British welterweight contender, challenges for the WBC title. The 29-year-old Benn is making his first world title attempt in a bout set for Las Vegas’s T-Mobile Arena, competing at 147 pounds—a weight class he hasn’t fought in for over two and a half years.
Since February 2024, Benn has had three fights, including a split series with Chris Eubank Jr. at middleweight in 2025 and a victory over Regis Prograis at a 150-pound catchweight earlier this year. All of these matches went the distance, with Benn failing to score a knockout since 2022, the year he faced a provisional suspension after testing positive for banned substances—charges he has consistently denied. His suspension was lifted in 2024, allowing him to return to the ring.
Froch believes Benn will face a tough challenge against Garcia, noting that Benn looked drained in recent weeks, likely due to an early and difficult weight cut. Speaking to The Sun, Froch said, “I can’t see how Conor can beat Ryan at 147 pounds. Benn didn’t show much power at 150 or 154 pounds, and cutting down to 147 seems to have left him looking weak and scrawny—like he could snap easily. Meanwhile, Ryan Garcia is extremely fast, a skilled counter-puncher, and packs serious power. He’s going to hurt Benn.”
Froch added concerns about Benn’s health and stamina, warning that if Benn has dehydrated too much to make weight, it could be dangerous, especially regarding his punch resistance. Froch predicted, “Garcia will likely land a hook early, and if Benn can take it, he might have a shot. But if he wobbles early, this fight won’t last beyond four rounds.”
Ryan Garcia, renowned for his counter left hook, is a former lightweight world champion with a turbulent career. In 2024, although he knocked down Devin Haney three times in what should have been a points victory for the WBC super-lightweight title, Garcia missed weight and subsequently had the win overturned to a no-contest after failing a drug test. He served a one-year ban but returned to fight Rolly Romero for the WBA lightweight title, losing on points after an early knockdown. Garcia then made a strong comeback by defeating Mario Barrios in February to claim the WBC lightweight championship.
Fan Take: This fight is a significant moment for fans as it pits two hungry, talented fighters at a pivotal career juncture, offering a potential classic showdown in the welterweight division. The bout could redefine Benn’s comeback trajectory and solidify Garcia’s status as one of the sport’s top fighters, raising the stakes for what’s next in boxing’s competitive landscape.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
