Conor Benn lands first world title shot against Ryan Garcia in Las Vegas

Conor Benn will challenge WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia for the first world title of his professional career after the blockbuster contest was officially confirmed for 12 September at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The all-action showdown pits together two of boxing’s biggest personalities, with months of online exchanges finally set to be settled in the ring.

Benn earned his opportunity after being named the WBC’s number one contender last December, despite not competing at welterweight since February 2024. The 29-year-old now has the chance to become world champion for the first time against a fighter making the maiden defence of his title.

Garcia claimed the WBC welterweight belt in February with victory over Mario Barrios and arrives in Las Vegas looking to strengthen his position as one of boxing’s biggest attractions.

The American, who has Mexican heritage, boasts a professional record of 25 wins from 28 fights, with two defeats and one no contest. The bout will take place on the weekend before Mexican Independence Day, adding even more significance to one of the sport’s most anticipated events.

Benn has built an impressive record of 25 wins from 26 contests, with his only defeat coming in the first of two meetings with Chris Eubank Jr. After moving up to middleweight for those rivalry clashes in 2025, he returned closer to his natural weight by defeating Regis Prograis in April at a catchweight three pounds above the welterweight limit.

His previous appearance at welterweight came over two years ago when he earned a points victory over Peter Dobson in Las Vegas.

The fight also marks a new chapter in Benn’s career after leaving Matchroom earlier this year. He signed an initial one-fight agreement with Zuffa Boxing in February before committing to a longer-term multi-fight deal with the promotion, which is backed by UFC president Dana White and Saudi Arabian investment.

White is expecting fireworks when the pair finally meet.

“These guys have been going back and forth on social media and this fight is going to be awesome,” he said.

Both fighters have experienced difficult periods away from the ring in recent years. Garcia served a one-year suspension between 2024 and 2025 after failing a drugs test, while Benn also spent a year out of boxing following his own doping controversy before returning to resume his career.

The announcement ends months of speculation surrounding the contest. Garcia revealed on US television in May that Benn would be his next opponent, although promoter Oscar De La Hoya later claimed discussions had not taken place. The pair then appeared together during the UFC 329 weigh-ins last week, fuelling further anticipation before the fight was officially confirmed.

Earlier this year, Benn praised Garcia’s profile within the sport while making it clear he had reservations about his rival.

“He’s good for boxing,” Benn said. “But he’s a liability.”

Now, after months of speculation and plenty of verbal sparring, the pair will finally settle their rivalry under the bright lights of Las Vegas with the WBC welterweight world title on the line.