Former world champion Carl Frampton has weighed in on Ryan Garcia vs Conor Benn.
Benn will challenge for Garcia’s WBC welterweight crown, and Frampton has offered an interesting take on the fight.
‘The Destroyer’ has never previously challenged for a world title and will hope to claim world honours at the first attempt.
The bout is scheduled for September 12 at the T-Mobile Arena and is set to be broadcast on Paramount+ in America and DAZN in the UK and Ireland.
Benn has not fought at welterweight in more than two years, with his last appearance at the weight coming against Peter Dobson, whom he beat by comfortable points decision in February 2024.
He moved up to middleweight for his next contest as he faced long-term rival Chris Eubank Jr in what proved to be Ring Magazine’s Fight of the Year.
‘The Destroyer’ was on the wrong end of the judges’ scorecards after 12 rounds but wasted no time in righting those wrongs in their rematch nine months later.
Benn dominated and dropped Eubank twice in what was a brutal, one-sided beatdown.
He has boxed just once since then, moving down to 150lbs against a lacklustre Regis Prograis, whom he beat over 10 rounds.
His recent performances have earned him a shot at the WBC world title in what will be his return to welterweight. Many have claimed Garcia will have too much for Benn, but Frampton spoke to Pro Boxing Fans and saw the bout differently.
“I think it’s a really good fight. I think it’s a competitive fight.
“A lot of people are giving Benn no chance, which I don’t understand. I think his tenacity in the fight gives him a chance.
“We’ve seen Garcia quit against Gervonta Davis. I’m not saying Conor Benn and Gervonta Davis are the same type of fighter or even at the same level, but once you’ve shown that before in a fight, there’s always a chance it could happen again.
“Garcia stayed on one knee against someone who fights at a much lower pace than Conor, so there is a possibility Benn could force that reaction out of him.
“I do have Garcia as the favourite, though. I think Conor is going to be there to be hit.
“Garcia has a fantastic left hook. He is very fast, very sharp and has great timing, so Benn could walk straight into one.
“I also think welterweight suits Garcia more than it does Benn.
“I have Garcia as the favourite, but Benn definitely has a chance.”
