Conor Benn has changed his prediction on Ryan Garcia ahead of the welterweight title fight, replacing his earlier support with a firm belief that Mario Barrios will win by knockout. The shift has Benn publicly backing a different outcome than the one he previously welcomed.
Benn made his expectation clear earlier. He said that Garcia would win and openly embraced the idea of ​​fighting him next, saying, “It will undoubtedly be Garcia. So, Garcia-Benn. I like the sound of that.” Garcia represented the more commercially attractive opponent, and Benn had already positioned himself as the mandatory challenger pending the outcome.
That expectation has now been replaced by certainty in the opposite direction. Benn predicted that Garcia would lose, and he said so without qualification.
“Y’all think I’m kidding… I bet you any money Barrios stops Garcia. I bet you any money,” Benn said on social media. “(Garcia) is going to fumble the bag.”
The firmness of Benn’s prediction stood out alongside the reversal itself, as he left no room to adjust his position later. His earlier confidence in Garcia gave way to a clear belief that Garcia was losing, and the timing drew attention, given the fight’s closeness.
Benn’s position in the division remains intact regardless of the outcome. He is the mandatory challenger and has said he will pursue the winner, which keeps him in the title picture while allowing him to endorse Barrios if Barrios wins or redirect his focus to Garcia if Garcia prevails. His position ensures he remains part of the immediate title discussion.
Barrios holds the WBC welterweight title after claiming the vacant belt when Terence Crawford moved on. Garcia steps in as the challenger and tries to secure his first title at the weight. Benn put himself in line for the winner anyway, but his sudden turnaround shows that his earlier confidence in Garcia didn’t last as the fight got closer.
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Last updated on 15/02/2026
