WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia used Kick’s live feed to identify Conor Benn as his next opponent, informing viewers that the fight was headed to Las Vegas. Garcia shared his comments while streaming with rapper 6ix9ine, and the clip spread widely on social media over the next few hours.

“It will be in August,” Garcia said during the broadcast, per Yahoo Sports. “We’ll have it in Vegas. His name is Conor Benn, from the UK. We’ll swallow it. Conor’s about to get kicked out.”

Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn September 12 according to Ryan Garcia 👇🏽 pic.twitter.com/y9tcnWyZPZ

— Vinny’s Corner (@VinnysCorner1) May 17, 2026

Garcia’s broadcast announcement initially pointed to an August date in Las Vegas. Promoter Eddie Hearn has since indicated that a September 12 Netflix premiere for the series is under discussion if other dates are not set. “Netflix is ​​only going to do a certain number of fights and the talk is that the Benn-Garcia fight will now take place on September 12 or whenever that happens,” Hearn said in comments reported by Boxing 247.

The date of September 12 would mean a collision with another party event on the same evening. Turki Alalshikh confirmed on Friday that Canelo Álvarez will face WBC super middleweight champion Christian Mbilli on September 12 in Riyad.

Where the fight is

Garcia (27-1, 22 KO) holds the WBC welterweight title after winning a unanimous decision over Mario Barrios in February. Benn (25-1, 14 KO) is the mandatory challenger for the WBC 147-pound title and most recently defeated Regis Prograis by unanimous decision on April 11 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, fighting at the 150-pound catchweight in his Zuffa Boxing debut.

After his victory over Prograis, Benn made a direct call for a title fight. “Garcia, I want my belt. I want my belt. Keep my belt sultry. September, let’s go,” Benn said in the video reported by ESPN. On May 7, the Briton sent a second video message addressed to Garcia.

The fight faces promotional hurdles. Benn left Matchroom earlier this year to sign with Zuffa Boxing under Dana White. Garcia remains affiliated with Golden Boy Promotions and Oscar De La Hoya. How Social boxing As noted, friction between White and De La Hoya is well-established.

History of drug testing

Both players served suspensions due to unfavorable drug test results. Benn’s case was resolved in November 2024 when the UK National Anti-Doping Panel lifted his provisional suspension. Garcia served a one-year suspension after testing positive for ostarine in connection with his April 2024 fight with Devin Haney.

Which has been confirmed

Garcia’s comments on the stream do not constitute a signed contract, and no joint statement has been released by Golden Boy Promotions or Zuffa Boxing. The press conference, broadcast deal, location and terms of the deal have not yet been confirmed. Reports from Sky Sports and DAZN characterize negotiations as ongoing.

Just a few years ago, opening the door to the third fight between Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk seemed unrealistic. Now it seems possible, even after two defeats and the friendship that has developed between the pair outside the ring.

That shift became more pronounced this week when promoter Eddie Hearn admitted Joshua would still “love” another chance to fight Usyk, despite losing twice to the Ukrainian southerner in 2021 and 2022. Historically, a heavyweight rivalry rarely continues after one fighter wins his first two fights cleanly. Boxing usually goes further. This situation seems to be heading in the opposite direction.

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Last updated: 17/05/2026 at 17:44

David Benavidez’s future may soon be decided after being called up for the fight he wants.

Earlier this month, Benavidez confirmed his status as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world when he successfully moved up to cruiserweight and stopped Gilberto Ramirez in six rounds win the WBA and WBO 200-pound titles.

Since that victory, a number of options have emerged for the “Mexican Monster,” including another cruiserweight clash with Jai Opetaia and even an ambitious move up to heavyweight to face unified champion Oleksandr Usyk.

The most likely scenario is a return to the 175-pound division, where he holds the WBC title, for an undisputed fight against WBA, WBO and IBF airy heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol, and Benavidez himself has stated that the Russian is number one on his hit list.

This fight can now become a reality, after the IBA fast revealed that Bivola’s coach Gennadi Mashyanov wants his player to face Benavidez to “shut his mouth.”

“My personal target right now is Benavidez – who, let’s say, talks a lot. We’ll see what he’s really capable of. I’d like him to stop talking. For that to happen, someone has to get in the ring with him and shut him up for good.”

Bivol returns to action tardy next week when he faces mandatory challenger Michael Eifert, and it appears that a victory in that match could now pave the way for an undisputed showdown with Benavidez.