Speculation surrounding a potential blockbuster boxing match between British welterweight Conor Benn and American WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia has been quashed by promoter Oscar De La Hoya. The CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, who represents Garcia, confirmed that no discussions are currently taking place for such a fight.
The possibility of Benn facing Garcia had generated considerable interest among boxing fans and pundits, given both fighters' profiles and the potential for a compelling contest. Benn, who has been working to re-establish his career following a period of controversy, represents a significant draw in the UK boxing scene. Garcia, meanwhile, is a prominent figure in the US and holds a major championship belt.
De La Hoya's clear statement puts an end to the rumours, at least for the immediate future. High-profile fights in boxing often involve complex negotiations between multiple parties, including promoters, managers, and broadcasters, and require significant lead time to arrange. The absence of any initial talks suggests that this particular matchup is not on the horizon for either fighter's next bout.
For Conor Benn, this means the search for his next opponent continues. His recent activity has been closely watched by British boxing enthusiasts, and a fight against a world champion like Garcia would have been a significant step in his career trajectory. Similarly, Ryan Garcia will now likely look towards other contenders or mandatory challengers for his WBC welterweight title.
The boxing world frequently sees such rumours emerge, with fans often eager to see top talent face off. While a Benn-Garcia fight may still be a possibility further down the line, De La Hoya's comments indicate that it is certainly not imminent, leaving both boxers and their respective teams to explore alternative paths for their upcoming fights.