Ryan Garcia Stops Conor Benn in Two Rounds to Retain WBC Title

Posted : 13 September 2026

Ryan Garcia delivered a devastating performance in Las Vegas, stopping Conor Benn in the second round to successfully defend his WBC welterweight title. The American needed less than five minutes to dismantle the British challenger in the biggest fight of Benn’s career.

Benn entered the contest hoping to secure his first world championship after a turbulent period that had included a failed drugs test, a provisional suspension and a highly publicised dispute over the WBC’s explanation concerning his elevated egg consumption.

His long-running saga also included the collapse of his proposed fight with Chris Eubank Jr and his split from promoter Eddie Hearn.

However, Garcia quickly exposed the gap between Benn and the elite level. The 28-year-old champion remained composed as Benn applied pressure early, before landing a powerful right hand to the jaw at the start of the second round that sent the Briton to the canvas.

Benn rose to his feet, but Garcia immediately pressed forward with a barrage of punches that forced the referee to stop the contest.

The stoppage came at 1:25 of the second round, giving Garcia a convincing first defence of the WBC welterweight belt. The victory also improved his professional record to 26–2, while Benn fell to 25–2 and suffered the first stoppage defeat of his career.

Garcia said he expected Benn to attack aggressively from the opening bell and deliberately waited for an opportunity to counter. His strategy paid off when he caught Benn coming forward with the decisive punch.

For Benn, the defeat represents a major setback after years of controversy and anticipation surrounding his rise to world-title contention. His first opportunity to compete for a major championship ended in less than two rounds, raising fresh questions about whether he was ready for the highest level of the welterweight division.

Benn was taken to hospital after the fight as a precaution. The defeat now leaves his future at elite level uncertain, particularly after the manner in which Garcia controlled and ultimately ended the contest.

Garcia, meanwhile, emerged with his reputation strengthened and immediately turned his attention towards potential major fights in the welterweight division, including possible meetings with Teófimo López and Devin Haney.

Ryan Garcia Stops Conor Benn in Two Rounds to Retain WBC Title

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