Ryan Garcia has labelled Terence Crawford a “hater” after being told that the all-time great is favouring Conor Benn to pull off a sizable upset.

The 28-year-old will make a first defence of his WBC title against Benn on September 12, headlining an event at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena.

To his credit, it was arguably a career-best performance that saw Garcia dethrone Mario Barriosdominating their February encounter with a unanimous decision victory.

At the very least, it was a vastly improved display than the one he produced against Rolando Romero, who convincingly outpointed ‘King Ry’ in May 2025.

This result followed his year-long doping ban, however, which can perhaps partly explain why Garcia underperformed so spectacularly against his low-volume opponent.

As for his upcoming clash with Benn, most would argue that the American is superior from both a skill and experience perspective, while ‘The Destroyer’ possibly boasts an edge when it comes to heart and durability.

These qualities were evident during his first encounter with Chris Eubank Jr, which he lost by unanimous decision in 2025 before winning their rematch later that year.

It is perhaps based on those two performances, then, that Crawford has decided to back heavy underdog Bennwho has not fought at 147lbs since 2022 and notoriously tested positive for banned substance clomifene that same year.

Speaking with FightHypethough, Garcia could not accept that ‘Bud’ is being fully genuine with his prediction.

“[Crawford] is really a hater – he needs to get out of retirement already. I think I can beat Crawford – I don’t give a f**k about no Conor Benn.”

Crawford called time on his illustrious career in December, just a few months removed from dethroning Canelo Alvarez and becoming a three-division undisputed champion.

World Boxing News provides a scorecard as unbeaten heavyweights Nelson Hysa and Thomas Narmo collide at the O2 Arena in London.

Hysa enters with a perfect 24-0 record against Narmo at 14-0, with neither heavyweight tasting defeat as a professional.

Someone’s ‘0’ has to go, with the regional WBO and WBA Global heavyweight titles on the line over ten rounds on the Moses Itauma vs Filip Hrgovic undercard.

WBN provides a live scorecard of the contest below, plus live results throughout the event.

Hysa vs Narmo Scorecard

Nelson Hysa vs Thomas Narmo

(Live scorecard will refresh every 2 mins)

Preview

Hysa puts his unbeaten 24-0 record on the line against Narmo, who arrives in London with a perfect 14-0 record of his own.

The ten-round heavyweight contest carries the regional belts and gives both men the opportunity to make a statement on the Itauma vs Hrgovic undercard.

The Hysa vs Narmo scorecard will continue alongside more live coverage on World Boxing News.

About the Author

Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN), a BWAA-acknowledged boxing news website founded in 2010. A veteran boxing reporter with 16 years of experience, he has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside from major events. His work is published worldwide through WBN and distributed on platforms including Apple News.

Read Phil Jay’s full bio and latest stories.

Timothy Bradley has urged Teofimo Lopez to face one man after dethroning Rolando Romero for the WBA welterweight strap.

‘The Takeover’ became a three-division world champion last weekend, claiming a majority decision victory over ‘Rolly’ in his first outing at 147lbs.

While Romero was always dangerous, and even hurt his man in round five, it was Lopez who ultimately proved the busier and more skilful operator.

As a result, the 29-year-old is now eager to secure unification matches against either Devin Haney, Liam Paro or the winner of Ryan Garcia vs Conor Benn, which takes place at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena on September 12.

At the same time, though, Lopez could soon be ordered to face mandatory challenger Jack Catterall, who claimed his WBA ‘regular’ title with a unanimous decision victory over Shakhram Giyasov in May.

Before that, WBA president Gilberto Mendoza had ruled that the winner would earn his shot at the full welterweight belt within 180 days of their contest taking place.

And while, admittedly, a title defence by November 19 seems entirely unrealistic, Bradley has nonetheless expressed his desire for Lopez to face leading contender Catterall.

“Teo, you gotta face Jack Catterall next. Yeah, you gotta honour that [mandatory duty]. You just got the belt, right? You gotta defend that title against Jack Catterall.

“He’s been waiting patiently, and it’s his time and his opportunity.”

While Catterall does, indeed, appear to be in a strong position with the WBA, Lopez’ manager Keith Connolly is actively exploring a route for the American to swerve his mandatory duty and chase more lucrative opportunities.