Conor Benn’s manager has provided an update on Ryan Garcia’s situation, admitting there is a possibility of negotiations “falling apart” in the coming weeks.

Talks about their potential reunion are apparently progressing gradually, with the pair expected to fight for Garcia’s WBC welterweight world title later this year.

The 27-year-old won the belt in February dethroning Mario Barrios by majority unanimous decision after knocking down his fighter in the first round.

It was his first victory since 2023, and the American’s previous two appearances ended with a points defeat against Rolando Romero and a no-contest against Devin Haney.

Between these two fights, Garcia received a one-year ban after testing positive for the banned substance ostarine, which called into question the credibility of his performance against Haney.

Benn also previously tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance – specifically clomiphene – but nonetheless emerged as a top contender for the WBC 147-pound title.

After missing the weight since 2022, the 29-year-old is coming off a 10-round points victory over the retired Regis Prograis, whom he fought at the 150-pound catchweight on the undercard of the Tyson Fury vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov fight last month.

Benn has since doubled down on his desire to face Garcia, while manager Keith Connolly told Boxing News the odds of the fight happening are basically 50/50.

“We are in negotiations [Garcia-Benn]along with several other large fights. I’ve seen it happen; I saw it fall apart, but right now we’re focused on this fight.

“I think it’s a great fight for both fighters. It will be a huge fight if it takes place here [in the UK] and it will be a fierce battle in which it is fought [Las] Vegas. It’s a sale wherever it goes.

“I think we’ll know in the next few weeks where we’re going, but it’s definitely a fight we want.”

Benn’s victory over Prograis followed his middleweight triumph over Chris Eubank Jr in November, when “The Destroyer” gained revenge after losing their opening bout by unanimous decision.

Filip Hrgovic made it basic for Dave Allen and took advantage of the moments after the fight to send a chilling message to rising star Moses Itauma.

Doncaster fans were unable to lift hometown hero Allen to the level of Hrgovic, who dominated from the opening bell until coach Jamie Moore threw in the towel to spare his players another day.

Croatian Hrgovic quickly apologized to the fans in the stadium.

“I’m sorry guys. I know I’m not the favorite guy here. That’s the way it is, that’s boxing. Thank you to Dave Allen, his team, Queensberry and DAZN for this event. I’m pushing forward to become the heavyweight champion of the world.

“I started quickly because I saw all my punches connecting. He was very awkward from the beginning, so I wanted to finish him quickly to make a statement.”

Hrgovic then immediately focused on what would come after three dominant rounds and weighed in on the matter there are rumors that he will soon have the opportunity to face Itauma in August.

“I want to fight anyone in the division. Moses, anyone. I just have to sit down with the manager and the team, see if there are any injuries or cuts. Give me a mirror, I’ll sign a contract now… I never run away from any opponent… Listen, if I’m fit, there’s no problem for me. We have to see what’s going on. I need to rest. Moses will never make it to the promised land. Do you know what I mean?”

Promoter George Warren has made it clear that Itauma-Hrgovic is the target, but he is aware that the next few days will be crucial to see if the schedule is right for the Croatian, who had a miniature cut on his skin before going to the towel.

“Yes, we can… This fight is already here. Finished. Filip, when he re-signed with Queensberry, was left on the contract on the basis that this fight was one of the options we could offer him. As he said, he has a slight scratch in his eye and he needs to go and make sure everything is OK.

“Moses is booked for August. As soon as we get back to the office next week, that’s my job. To finish and announce this fight. This guy is a world-class operator and if Moses wants to be world champion, Filip wants to be world champion; they’re going to have to deal with it at some point, so let’s deal with it now.”

Welterweight Kelvin Davis (16-1, 8 KO) escaped with a split decision victory over Peter Dobson (17-4, 10 KO) after a hard-fought 10-round fight that drew noisy boos from the crowd after the result was announced. The judges scored it 99-91 and 97-93 for Davis, while the third judge scored it 98-92 for Dobson.

Davis boxed effectively early on, using his jab, foot movement and reach to keep Dobson out and gain the advantage in the early rounds. Dobson had difficulty getting close enough to land consistently in the first half of the fight as Davis remained disciplined and chose areas with cleaner strikes.

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Last update: 2026/05/16 at 22:46