Eddie Hearn has forecasted that Conor Benn may soon step away from boxing following his decisive defeat to Ryan Garcia. In their recent Las Vegas showdown, Garcia stopped Benn in the second round, successfully defending his WBC welterweight title.
Garcia, aged 28, landed a powerful right hook that sent Benn to the canvas. Although Benn managed to rise before the referee’s count ended, he was quickly dominated, leading to the fight’s stoppage. Benn, 29, later expressed uncertainty about his future plans, emphasizing his desire to focus on family time. However, he had previously indicated intentions to move back up to middleweight.
Hearn reflected on the bout, Benn’s second since departing from Hearn’s Matchroom promotion in a surprising switch earlier this year. “I predicted Garcia would finish the fight within three rounds,” Hearn told iFL TV. “Benn seemed out of sorts, not his usual self… inside the ring, he looked confused and overwhelmed.”
He added, “I believe Benn will retire within the next year. He might have one more fight, or possibly none. He’s earned his money.” Reinforcing this view, Hearn said, “Yes, I think he’s done. He’s made a significant amount, and what else is left? At 160 pounds, he’s unlikely to defeat any top contender. He’s in this game for financial gain, and that’s been achieved. I doubt he wishes to linger in boxing—he has other interests and family commitments.”
The split between Benn and Hearn was unexpected, especially since Matchroom had supported Benn during his lengthy drug-test controversy that spanned from 2022 to 2024. During this period, Benn was provisionally suspended after two failed drug tests in the summer of 2022 but was eventually cleared to fight again late in 2024. Throughout the ordeal, Benn maintained his innocence.
Benn reportedly secured a $15 million, one-fight deal with Zuffa Boxing, Dana White’s promotion, debuting against Regis Prograis in April. He won the bout on points against the former world champion, who subsequently retired following the fight. Benn then renewed his contract with Zuffa before facing Garcia.
Looking ahead, Benn’s most probable next fight could be a trilogy showdown with Chris Eubank Jr. The pair split victories in 2025, with Eubank Jr winning the first bout in April and Benn retaliating with two knockdowns in their November rematch. Eubank Jr., 36, mocked Benn following his loss to Garcia, while middleweight titleholder Denzel Bentley recently offered Benn a chance to fight for the WBO belt.
Fan Take: This development is significant for fight fans because it marks the potential end of a promising but turbulent chapter in British boxing. Benn’s possible retirement not only reshapes the welterweight and middleweight landscapes but also underscores the unpredictable nature of the sport, where personal choices and promotions intertwine heavily with a fighter’s legacy.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
