Eddie Hearn has made his prediction for Ryan Garcia’s clash with Conor Benn.
Garcia will make a first defence of his WBC welterweight world title against Benn on September 12 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Hearn promoted Benn from his professional debut until the 29-year-old made a shock switch to Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing, sparking a public back-and-forth between the pair.
‘The Destroyer’ will fight at 147 pounds for the first time in over four years when he steps into the ring with the American.
The Brit had two bouts with grudge rival Chris Eubank Jr at 160 pounds last year, while his win over Regis Prograis in April was contested at 150 pounds.
And the Matchroom Chairman believes his former charge will struggle in his maiden world title fight.
“I don’t like Conor at 147,” the 47-year-old told KO Artist Sports.
“I don’t believe he should be fighting down there.
“He had those two fights with Eubank at 160, I’m not saying he’s a middleweight.
“He fought Regis at 150, he looked terrible in that fight.
“147 is brutal for him now.
“He trains so hard, but I don’t think he has power down there.
“I don’t think he’ll have the chin down there and Ryan’s a world class fighter.”
Garcia won the title in February, dropping Mario Barrios on route to a unanimous decision victory.
The 27-year-old became world champion at the third time of asking, after previously falling short against Rolly Romero and seeing his victory over then-WBC super lightweight titlist, Devin Haney overturned to a no contest after failing a drugs test.
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The broadcast situation was seemingly a sticking point, with Benn aligned with Zuffa, who have a deal with Paramount+ and Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland, while ‘King Ry’ is with Golden Boy and DAZN.
However, this has been ironed out with the clash to be broadcast globally on Paramount+ and in the UK and Ireland on DAZN.
