Conor Benn's Path To Garcia Fight After Hearn Split

Conor Benn fights Ryan Garcia for the WBC welterweight title Saturday after a two-year stretch that included failed drug tests, a promotional split, and a career detour that nearly derailed his world title ambitions.

The British welterweight, who tested positive for banned substances in 2022 ahead of a scheduled bout with Chris Eubank Jr, spent months in regulatory limbo before signing with Zuffa Boxing earlier this year. That deal cleared the path to his first championship opportunity against Garcia in Las Vegas.

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From Matchroom Exit To Zuffa Deal

Benn parted ways with Eddie Hearn's Matchroom promotion after years under the banner, a move ESPN reports followed mounting frustration over licensing roadblocks in the UK. The failed tests forced cancellation of the Eubank rematch and left Benn unable to secure sanctioning from the British Boxing Board of Control.

Zuffa Boxing, the new venture launched by UFC parent company TKO, offered Benn a landing spot and the promotional muscle to secure Saturday's WBC title shot. The fight marks Garcia's return after his own suspension for a banned substance, creating a clash between two fighters looking to rebuild credibility.

🎟️ Get tickets: Buy tickets to Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn on Ticketmaster →

Benn carries the legacy of his father, former two-division champion Nigel Benn, into the bout. The younger Benn had compiled a 23-0 record before the positive tests stalled his momentum in 2022. Garcia holds wins over Luke Campbell and Javier Fortuna but has not fought for a major title since moving up to welterweight.

The fight takes place Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. First bell is set for approximately 11 p.m. ET.

Reported via:

• ESPN Boxing — Conor Benn timeline: Family, controversies, Eddie Hearn fallout to Ryan Garcia fight