Ryan Garcia successfully defended his WBC welterweight title on Saturday evening in Las Vegas, stopping Conor Benn in the second round. The British challenger was competing in his first world title bout when a powerful right hook from Garcia sent him to the canvas. Although Benn managed to rise before the referee’s count concluded, he was unable to continue, forcing the official to halt the contest shortly thereafter.
Chris Eubank Jr, Benn’s longtime rival, wasted no time in responding to the defeat on social media. Eubank Jr posted a message referencing weight management issues, suggesting that Benn’s transition to welterweight after spending considerable time at middleweight may have affected his performance. The comment appeared to reference their previous encounters, during which Eubank Jr had expressed concerns about competing at middleweight rather than his preferred super-middleweight division.
The loss represents Benn’s second career defeat and his first stoppage loss. Eubank Jr and Benn have previously competed twice, with each fighter claiming victory in their respective bout. Should a trilogy match materialize, it would extend their rivalry and potentially surpass the legacy of their fathers’ encounters during the 1990s. Benn will likely move away from the welterweight division following this setback.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
About the Author
