Conor Benn: British boxer calls out Ryan Garcia for WBC welterweight world title chance later in 2026 after beating Regis Prograis
Conor Benn made clear his desire to fight WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia next after beating Regis Prograis on Saturday.
Benn grinded out a unanimous decision victory over former world champion Prograis in his first fight of the year at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The 29-year-old was forced to work hard for the win after several head clashes which led to cuts on his eye, and quickly turned his attentions to Garcia afterwards.
“Garcia, I want my belt! I want my belt. Keep my belt warm,” he said in a video posted on social media.
“September. Let’s go. Any day of the week. Twice on Sundays. 10 rounds, easy. Garcia, you’re next. Keep my belt warm.”
Garcia, who won the WBC welterweight world title in February after defeating Mario Barrios, said: “I’m down. Garcia vs Benn. Let’s do it.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Conor Benn says he only wants a fight with Ryan Garcia next and issued a passionate challenge to the WBC champion
Benn’s win over Prograis, which moves his fight record to 25-1, was at catchweight, 3lb above the welterweight limit of 147lb.
He has fought most of his career at welterweight, with his only professional defeat coming to Chris Eubank Jr at 160lb, before he won the rematch last year.
Prograis pushed Benn hard on Saturday but the latter’s greater speed and energy gave him a comfortable points victory.
“It was a great fight. Tough, durable, experience. I had to weather some storms but we are good,” said Benn.
“My first fight back at 150 for three years and now I’m ready to move down to 147 to get Ryan Garcia.”
Watch Alycia Baumgardner vs Bo Mi Re Shin live on Sky Sports in the early hours of Saturday April 18. Not got Sky? Stream boxing and more with no contract