Ryan Garcia vs Conor Benn: Eddie Hearn gives honest opinion

Ryan Garcia vs Conor Benn is a fight that’s been heavily discussed in 2026, with both fighters winning their previous bouts. Garcia dominated Mario Barrios last time out to win the WBC welterweight title. Benn was uninspired in his previous fight, beating Regis Prograis at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. 

It remains to be seen if Dana White (Zuffa) and Oscar De La Hoya (Golden Boy) can put their ill feelings for each other to one side to reach a deal. Despite no official announcement being made, Garcia recently appeared on the Jimmy Fallon show and revealed his next fight will be on September 12 against Conor Benn. Speaking in a media huddle, Benn’s former promoter Eddie Hearn gave his honest opinion on the potential showdown.

Ryan Garcia vs Conor Benn: Both welcome September showdown

Benn has made it clear he wants the Garcia fight, and the Brit recently took to social media, welcoming a fight against Garcia:

“Garcia, I want my belt! I want my belt. Keep my belt warm.”

“September. Let’s go. Any day of the week. Twice on Sundays. 10 rounds, easy. Garcia, you’re next. Keep my belt warm.”

After Benn’s win against Prograis, Garcia welcomed the potential clash with Benn: “I’m down Garcia vs Benn let’s do it!”

Revealing the Benn fight on the Jimmy Fallon show, Garcia said:

“We are fighting on September 12. It’ll be in Vegas, and the opponent, let’s just say, he’s from the other side.

“He’s across the pond, I’m sorry,” added Garcia.

“His name is Conor Benn. He’s talking a lot. He’s talking crazy. He actually confronted me at an awards show, and my wife was there, and he just pressed up on me, grabbed me, so it’s a little personal. I’m really gonna put a whooping on this man, and we will send him back to the UK, sipping on some tea.”

Eddie Hearn gives honest opinion on Ryan Garcia vs Connor Benn

Speaking in a media huddle, Hearn gave his honest view on the potential Garcia vs Benn fight:

“In terms of that fight, I think it’s a good fight. I don’t think it’s a big fight in America. I think it’s a big fight in the UK. Obviously, Ryan’s a big star in America. Conor’s not. Ryan’s a bigger star in the UK than Conor is in America, and Conor’s a big star in the UK.

“I don’t think it’s a fight that’s going to do massive numbers, but I like the fight. I think it’s exciting. I think at 147, Ryan’s a big favourite. I don’t think Conor should be fighting at 147. I like him up at 160 or up towards that weight class, but I don’t see a way he beats Ryan Garcia at 147.”

Featured Image Credit:

Ryan Hafey PBC/Showtime Photo