Ryan Garcia responds to ‘Conor Bumm’ challenge: ‘Benn’s corner or the ref will stop it’

Ryan Garcia and Conor Benn both say they’re ready to fight this year | Cris Esqueda/Golden Boy and Richard Pelham/Getty Images for Netflix

Conor Benn is taking aim at Ryan Garcia and the WBC welterweight title, and Garcia says he’s ready to take the fight.

Benn (25-1, 14 KO) won a 10-round decision over Regis Prograis on Saturday, which wasn’t really the most thrilling or impressive performance, after which the 37-year-old Prograis, who appeared to be dealing with some leg issues in the bout, retired from boxing.

But the win is the win, and it came on a big stage, with plenty of eyes on Benn and the fight. And now the 29-year-old Benn has called out Garcia specifically.

Benn made the challenge in a video posted to social media, which was responding to Garcia saying on Saturday that he’s “down” for the fight.

“Garcia, I want my belt. Keep my belt warm,” Benn said. “September, let’s go. Any day of the week, twice on Sundays. … Garcia, you’re next, keep my belt warm.”

Mark my words, [Benn’s] corner or the ref stops [the fight].

Ryan Garcia

During Benn’s fight with Prograis, Garcia had called him “Conor Bumm” — simple, to the point trash talk — and predicted he’ll force a stoppage if the two of them fight.

“Mark my words, his corner or the ref stops [the fight] in [round 6 or 7],” Garcia stated.

Benn hasn’t actually made the 147 lb welterweight limit since an April 2022 fight with Chris van Heerden, which is a significant amount of time. He weighed in at 149½ for the bout with Prograis, which had a 150 lb contract limit.

Garcia (25-2, 20 KO) dominated Mario Barrios to win the WBC title on February 21. It was the first world title win for the 27-year-old star.

If we get Garcia vs Benn, how do you see it going?

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