Ryan Garcia will make a first career world title defence when he takes on Conor Benn next month, and after watching the Californian train, three-division world champion James Toney has made his prediction for the contest.
‘King Ry’ dominated Mario Barrios to get his hands on the WBC world title back in February, comprehensively outboxing ‘El Azteca’ and showcasing his power, composure and skill as much as his world-renowned speed.
Since then, Benn has been installed as Garcia’s mandatory challenger, despite the fact that he has not competed as a welterweight since April 2022, with that mandated contest scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 12.
Should he be successful, it seems as though unifications will be next on Garcia’s mind, with the victor of Rolly Romero vs Teofimo Lopez deemed the most likely next fight, whilst a grudge match rematch with WBO titleholder Devin Haney is one that fans will always be keen to see.
Speaking to FightHype whilst watching Garcia train, ‘Lights Out’ Toney said that he expects ‘King Ry’ to get the job done inside of five rounds and thus hand Benn the first knockout defeat of his career.
“Definitely [he is looking vicious]. [He is going to win inside] five rounds.”
Including his eventual no-contest against Haney, Garcia has gone the distance in his last three bouts and has not scored a win inside of the distance since 2023.
Although, with Benn understood to be struggling to make the 147lb weight limit, Garcia could be able to capitalise and score a statement win.
