Ryan Garcia TKO2 Conor Benn... In a star-making performance, Ryan Garcia defended his WBC welterweight title with a blistering second-round technical of Conor Benn at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Ahead of the fight, much was said and written about Garcia’s left hook, but it was Garcia’s right hand that proved the crucial shot as he stunned and dropped the Englishman with a lightning bolt of a right hand, then finished him with a barrage of shots to claim a brilliant victory.

 

Garcia found a home for his left hand early and sent Benn backward with a stiff left in the opening seconds of the contest. Benn looked to push the pace and close the distance, but Garcia continued to land his left hook as the Englishman walked into range. But, despite being clipped, Benn seemed unruffled, and stepped into the pocket and landed some solid shots of his own, including a big left to the body that briefly forced Garcia to turn away.

 

Benn started round two aggressively and took a well-timed counter shot that knocked him off balance. Then, as Benn closed in again, Garcia unleashed the shot that effectively won the fight. With Benn advancing, Garcia unleashed a fastball right hand that dropped the Englishman down to the canvas. Benn took the eight-count, then tried to continue. But after the action resumed, Garcia swarmed his man with a relentless barrage of shots that forced referee Thomas Taylor to step in and wave off the contest. It added another spectacular finish to Garcia’s growing highlight reel, as “King Ry” moved to 26-2 with the 21st knockout of his career. And, after putting his rivalry with Benn in the rearview mirror, Garcia immediately turned his attention to two of the other welterweight champions who were ringside -- Teofimo Lopez and Devin Haney.