Garcia Stops Benn in Two Rounds to Retain WBC Title

Ryan Garcia stopped Conor Benn in the second round on Saturday night to retain his WBC welterweight title, delivering a decisive knockout that ended the British challenger's bid for a world championship. The fight took place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on September 12, 2026. Garcia, the 28-year-old American champion, knocked Benn down with a powerful right hand early in the second round. Benn, 29, rose to his feet but was unable to defend himself as Garcia unleashed a flurry of punches, prompting referee Thomas Taylor to stop the contest at 1 minute and 25 seconds of the round. The victory improved Garcia's professional record to 26-2 with 21 knockouts, while Benn fell to 25-2. Benn had promised an aggressive, pressure-filled approach throughout the buildup to the fight, and he delivered on that promise in the opening round. He set a frenetic pace, scoring to the body and engaging Garcia in heavy exchanges. However, Garcia's counter-punching skills proved decisive. The champion timed Benn's aggression perfectly, landing his signature left hook with regularity before delivering the knockout blow.