Ryan Garcia Challenged for Boxing’s Biggest Fight
Ryan Garcia captured world honours in February when he beat Mario Barrios to claim the WBC welterweight title. He now aims to secure a major assignment during the second half of the year.
Title picture and potential defences
Talk of a rematch with Devin Haney has circulated since Garcia’s win. That rematch appears likely to be delayed.
Teofimo Lopez has been mentioned as a possible first defence. Garcia remains linked to several high-profile options.
Mandatory challenger: Conor Benn
Garcia also has a mandatory challenger in Conor Benn. Benn returns this weekend to face Regis Prograis at a 150lb catchweight.
He plans to drop fully back to welterweight afterwards. Benn says he has challenged himself to force that showdown, widely viewed as one of boxing’s biggest fights.
Benn’s message and preparation
Speaking to Filmogaz.com, the Brit made clear his intentions ahead of the bout. He said he wants the biggest fights and sees no bigger clash than one with Ryan Garcia.
Benn described Regis as an absolute handful and said he prepared as if facing the unified champion.
Why Benn accepted Prograis
He preferred to remain active rather than wait until July, August or September for Garcia. He said he likes the risk and believes, on his best day, he can beat anyone.
Benn added Prograis is a southpaw who fights very differently to Garcia, and he wants immediate follow-up action.
Event and implications
Benn-Prograis serves as the co-main on the Fury-Makhmudov card this weekend. Should Benn win, he is expected to call for Garcia in the ring.
The WBC would then hold the authority to order that fight. Promoters and the sanctioning body will shape the next steps.
