Benn Knocked Out by Garcia in Second Round of WBC Title Fight

Conor Benn suffered the first knockout loss of his career on Saturday, September 13, 2026, when Ryan Garcia stopped him in the second round of their WBC welterweight title fight in Las Vegas. Garcia, the defending champion, dropped Benn with a powerful right hook and forced the referee to intervene as he swarmed the British fighter against the ropes. The defeat marked Benn's first fight at welterweight in over two years, having previously competed at middleweight in two bouts against Chris Eubank Jr. in 2025. Benn, 29, was attempting to follow in his father Nigel's footsteps by becoming a world champion. In a statement posted on social media on Monday, Benn reflected on the loss and his future. "Everybody keeps asking 'What's next for Conor Benn?' The truth is, I don't have the answer," he wrote. "Giving everything comes at a cost. And the people who have paid that cost more than anyone are my family and my kids." Benn indicated he would prioritize time with his children before considering his next move in boxing. His immediate post-fight message on social media was a respectful 11-word tweet: "Not my night, no excuses. Ryan Garcia, you're a great champion.