Ryan Garcia to Face Conor Benn in August After Calling Out Toughest Opponent Yet

Key facts

• Ryan Garcia won the WBC welterweight title by unanimous decision over Mario Barros in February.
• Garcia will fight Conor Benn in August in Las Vegas, announced via Kick stream last Wednesday.
• Benn called out Garcia after his victory over Regis Prograis; Benn fought 3lbs over the welterweight limit at that event.
• Garcia named Oscar Duarte as his toughest opponent in 27 fights, despite stopping him in the eighth round in 2023.
• Garcia's 2024 win over Devin Haney was overturned to a no-contest after he tested positive for ostarine; he served a one-year suspension.
• Conor Benn's suspension was lifted by the UK NAPD in November 2024; Garcia received a one-year suspension for a positive PED test.
• Garcia publicly offered support to Adrien Broner after Broner appeared intoxicated on a livestream, urging him to seek help.

Garcia Announces Benn Fight, Ending Months of Speculation

Ryan Garcia will face Conor Benn in August in Las Vegas, the WBC welterweight champion revealed during a Kick livestream last Wednesday. The announcement brought an end to months of uncertainty about Garcia's next opponent, during which he had repeatedly called out elite fighters including Shakur Stevenson. Garcia dismissed Stevenson's standing among top boxers, but ultimately settled on Benn, who had called out Garcia following his own victory over Regis Prograis. Garcia made his stance clear during the stream, saying: “Conor is about to get blasted, guys.”

Doping Histories Add Complexity to High-Profile Bout

Both fighters have faced scrutiny after failed drug tests in recent years. Conor Benn's suspension was lifted by the U.K. National Anti-Doping Panel in November 2024, allowing him to resume his career. Ryan Garcia, however, received a one-year suspension following a positive test for the banned substance ostarine, which also led to his victory over Devin Haney being overturned to a no-contest. The differing outcomes add another layer of attention to an already high-profile fight, with questions lingering about the fairness and consistency of anti-doping enforcement.

Garcia Names Surprising Toughest Opponent: Oscar Duarte

In an interview with DAZN, Garcia revealed that his toughest opponent in 27 professional outings was Oscar Duarte, whom he stopped with an eighth-round finish in 2023. This choice surprised many, given that Garcia has faced Gervonta Davis, who knocked him out with a body shot in 2023; Rolando Romero, who scored a second-round knockdown before Garcia won unanimously in May 2025; and Devin Haney, who pushed Garcia to a majority decision in 2024. Garcia explained that Duarte presented a unique challenge, though he did not elaborate further. Duarte was originally scheduled to fight Richardson Hitchins in February, but Hitchins withdrew on the morning of the fight due to illness during weight cutting. Duarte now prepares for an all-Mexican clash with Angel Fierro on the undercard of Gilberto Ramirez vs. David Benavidez this Saturday.

Garcia Reaches Out to Struggling Adrien Broner

Concern continues to grow around former four-division champion Adrien Broner after troubling recent appearances online. Broner appeared intoxicated and disoriented on livestreams hosted by influencer boxer Deen The Great, at one point asking a cameraman to pay for his ride home. Ryan Garcia stepped forward with a public message, urging Broner to seek help. “Sad to see,” Garcia said. “AB, if you see this, call me. Let’s get you situated. No need to keep drinking. Let’s be better. Not judging. Let’s lock in.” Garcia's outreach carries added weight because he has openly battled alcohol problems and other personal issues in recent years. being clean and sober, crediting support from Mauricio Sulaiman and the World Boxing Council.

Garcia's Personal Journey Informs His Compassion

Garcia's message to Broner struck a supportive tone rather than a critical one, reflecting his own struggles. The 27-year-old champion has worked to turn his life around after his suspension and personal issues. He understands how difficult change can be and how important support becomes during that process. Now, he appears ready to pay it forward, offering a lifeline to a fellow boxer in distress. Broner's struggles have been long-standing; last year, Gervonta Davis spoke openly about Broner's situation, calling it “heartbreaking.” More recently, Broner was removed from an interview by Cam'ron after allegedly harassing host Treasure 'Stat Baby' Wilson while under the influence.

What Comes Next for Garcia and Benn

The August bout in Las Vegas will be Garcia's first defense of the WBC welterweight title he won in February. Benn, who fought 3lbs over the welterweight limit in his last fight, will need to adjust his preparation to face Garcia for the belt. The fight promises to be a major event, drawing attention not only for the matchup but also for the doping histories of both fighters. Garcia's recent outreach to Broner has also added a human-interest dimension to his public profile, showing a champion willing to use his platform for support. As the fight date approaches, more details about the undercard and venue are expected to emerge.

A Defining Moment for Garcia's Career

Ryan Garcia stands at a crossroads. His victory over Mario Barros re-established him as a world champion, but his career has been marred by doping controversies and personal struggles. The fight against Conor Benn offers a chance to solidify his legacy, while his compassionate gesture toward Adrien Broner reveals a maturity that was not always evident. Whether he can maintain his sobriety and focus remains to be seen, but for now, Garcia is making headlines for both his actions inside and outside the ring. The boxing world will be watching closely.

The bottom line

• Ryan Garcia will defend his WBC welterweight title against Conor Benn in Las Vegas in August, ending months of speculation about his next opponent.
• Both Garcia and Benn have faced doping suspensions, adding controversy to the matchup.
• Garcia named Oscar Duarte as his toughest opponent, surprising fans who expected Gervonta Davis or Devin Haney.
• Garcia publicly offered support to Adrien Broner, drawing on his own experience with alcohol and personal issues.
• Garcia's win over Devin Haney was overturned to a no-contest due to a positive ostarine test, leading to a one-year suspension.
• Conor Benn's suspension was lifted in November 2024, allowing him to resume his career.