Garcia vs Benn preview: Ryan Garcia makes the first defence of his WBC welterweight world title against Conor Benn in Las Vegas on Saturday and this Garcia vs Benn prediction and preview breaks down how the grudge match sets up.
Garcia and Benn will settle their grudge at the T-Mobile Arena. The clash is live on Paramount+ in the USA. It also airs on DAZN in the UK and Ireland.
Garcia captured a world title at the third attempt in February. He dropped and outpointed Mario Barrios at the same arena he fights Benn this Saturday.
In fact, Garcia won the WBC super lightweight title in 2024 against Devin Haney. But, his stunning win was overturned to a no contest after he failed a drugs test.
The Californian hasn’t secured a knockout victory since stopping Oscar Duarte in 2023, but has promised to halt the Brit within five rounds. That bold claim sits at the heart of this Garcia vs Benn preview.
Meanwhile, Benn will fight for a first world title. Additionally, the ‘Destroyer’ will make the welterweight limit for the first time in almost four-and-a-half years.
Following a much publicised drugs scandal, he returned for two low-key bouts at 154 pounds. He then fought Chris Eubank Jr twice at middleweight.
Benn suffered a first career loss to Eubank Jr. He avenged the defeat five months later.
The Brit heads in off a unanimous decision win over Regis Prograis in a 150 pound catchweight clash in April.
Garcia vs Benn Prediction: Garcia should be too quick and accurate. He can take Benn out by halfway.
Opetaia meets Mikaelian
Noel Mikaelian is set to face former world champion, Jai Opetaia, however the bout has been thrown into doubt on fight week – a subplot this Garcia vs Benn preview is also tracking.
Mikaelian’s promoter, Don King sent a cease-and-desist letter to Zuffa Boxing. It aims to prevent the bout from happening.
Opetaia’s promoter, Dana White responded on Tuesday, insisting the fight will proceed, despite King’s complaints.
Opetaia was stripped of his IBF title prior to his March victory over Brandon Glanton, while Mikaelian holds the WBC crown.
Prediction: Opetaia shouldn’t have too much trouble here. But, he may need the full 12 rounds to see off the Armenian.
Garcia vs Benn Preview Remaining Undercard
Elsewhere in this Garcia vs Benn preview, rising heavyweight Da’Mazion Vanhouter should stop Raphael Akpejiori, while Andres Cortes can outpoint former world champion, Mark Magsayo.
Jose Ramirez can snap a run of two straight defeats. He should beat Alexis Rocha by decision. Meanwhile, Abel Gonzalez could become the first man to stop Raul Salomon.
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Meanwhile, Vlad Panin who has been sparring Benn in the lead-up to Saturday, can pick up his fourth straight stoppage victory by halting Dakota Linger.
In a battle of unbeaten super featherweights, Pablo Rubio should edge past Oswaldo Molina.
To close out this Garcia vs Benn preview, Garcia’s brother Sean can return to winning ways with a points victory against Abraham Morales.
