Conor Benn Vs. Ryan Garcia Targeted For 2026

Conor Benn’s manager, Keith Connolly, says his fighter wants a Ryan Garcia fight for next year. 

Benn is looking to drop back down to welterweight after avenging his defeat to Chris Eubank Jr. in November. Benn has dismissed a trilogy, meaning he must move back down to 147 for the Ryan fight. The last time Benn boxed at 147 was in 2022 when he stopped Chris Van Heerden. His next four fights after that were contested at 154 (twice) and 160 (twice). Garcia is on course to face Mario Barrios, The WBC Welterweight Champion, on February 21. If Ryan comes through that fight, Benn’s camp wants it as they are ranked number one by the WBC. 

“He showed discipline. He stayed within himself. Now the sky is the limit, and we expect to fight Ryan Garcia if he beats Barrios in the first half of next year,” Connolly said

The Approach

Benn will likely use a high, tight guard to walk Garcia down, cutting off his escape routes. A key focus will be the body; by landing heavy hooks to Garcia’s midsection early, Benn aims to take away the energy in Ryan’s legs, making him a stationary target for his overhand right. To get past Garcia’s jab, Benn will likely employ a double-jab to close the distance. 

Garcia’s objective will be to use his superior hand speed to steal rounds and land the left hook. Benn leans forward when he attacks, so he is susceptible to being caught by a lead-hook as he enters the pocket. Garcia will likely spend the early rounds “luring” Benn in, waiting for Conor to drop his right hand slightly when throwing his own lead shot. Against a smaller man like Benn, Garcia will try to use his height advantage to keep the fight at “long-range,” peppering Benn with straight rights.

Find all the latest boxing news and MMA breaking updates on boxingnews.com.