Hearn On Benn's Loss: 'Looked Lost' Against Garcia

Conor Benn's former promoter Eddie Hearn says the welterweight contender appeared completely out of his depth against Ryan Garcia and could hang up his gloves within a year.

Benn challenged Garcia for the WBC welterweight title Saturday in Las Vegas but was stopped in the second round after Garcia landed a right hand that left him defenseless. The loss marked just the second defeat of Benn's career and his first attempt at world title glory. Hearn, who promoted Benn at Matchroom Boxing before the fighter signed with Zuffa Boxing in February, predicted a Garcia win but was still taken aback by what he witnessed.

What Hearn Saw From Benn Against Garcia

"I just felt that he looked lost," Hearn told iFL TV, per MMA Fighting. "In the ring, he looked all over the place. Jumping around, diving in, he looked like a rabbit in headlights." Hearn speculated that weight management may have played a role, noting Benn likely held his weight down over an extended period rather than cutting drastically in the final 24 hours. He praised Benn's work ethic and improvement since turning pro in 2016 but believes Saturday exposed a ceiling. "Now is he world class? I think what we've found it is no he's not," Hearn said.

Despite the chilly relationship since Benn left Matchroom, Hearn defended the 29-year-old's achievements and suggested there's still money to be made in a trilogy fight with Chris Eubank Jr. The pair split two bouts in 2025, continuing the rivalry between their fathers Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank Sr. Eubank won the first in a 12-round classic; Benn took the rematch on points in a less memorable affair.

Hearn also floated the possibility that Benn simply walks away with his earnings intact. "Listen, Conor Benn will be done in the next year or so," he said. "He may not even fight again because he's made his money." Hearn questioned what motivation remains for a fighter who has already cashed out and isn't chasing greatness at higher weight classes. Benn has not announced his next move.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — Morning Report | Eddie Hearn: Conor Benn ‘looked lost’ against Ryan Garcia, could retire soon