Ryan Garcia says his long-rumored showdown with Conor Benn is finally happening.
During an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Garcia revealed that the fight is expected to take place on September 12 in Las Vegas, adding another major event to an already stacked boxing calendar.
“I can say that we are fighting September 12th, it will be in Vegas,” Garcia told Fallon. “His name is Conor Benn. He’s talking a lot, talking crazy.”
Why Ryan Garcia Says the Fight with Conor Benn Is Personal
Garcia also revealed that tensions between the two fighters reportedly go back years.
According to Garcia, Benn confronted him at an award show in front of his wife, which added real emotion to the matchup.
“He actually confronted me at an award show two years ago. My wife was there. He just pressed up on me, grabbed me. So it’s a little personal,” Garcia said.
The comments immediately sparked reactions online, with many fans now viewing the fight as more than just another crossover boxing event.
Ryan Garcia vs Conor Benn Could Become One of Boxing’s Biggest Fall Events
Although Garcia publicly announced the matchup on national television, neither Golden Boy Promotions nor Zuffa Boxing has officially confirmed the fight.
Still, the matchup makes sense for both sides.
Garcia is coming off a major win over Mario Barrios to capture the WBC welterweight title earlier this year in Las Vegas.
Meanwhile, Benn recently defeated Regis Prograis in London after signing a new multi-fight agreement with Zuffa Boxing.
The fight would also bring together two of boxing’s most controversial stars, as both Garcia and Benn have faced doping-related scandals during their careers.
Could Ryan Garcia and Canelo Alvarez Fight on the Same Day?
The reported September 12 date is especially interesting because Canelo Álvarez is also expected to fight Christian Mbilli that same day in Saudi Arabia.
Because of the major time difference between Riyadh and Las Vegas, both cards could realistically air without directly competing against each other.
Ryan Garcia Says He Wants to Become the Face of Boxing
Garcia also recently told ESPN that becoming a world champion has pushed him closer to achieving his biggest goal.
“Now that I have the belt, I feel like I have all the opportunities to become the face of boxing,” Garcia said. “Now I just have to prove it.”
If the Benn fight becomes official, Garcia could headline one of the biggest boxing events of the fall.
