Conor Benn is weighing his next moves in the sport following a devastating second-round stoppage loss to Ryan Garcia in Las Vegas. The defeat on Saturday night marked the first time Benn has been halted inside the distance across his 27 professional bouts and serves as only the second setback of a decade-long career.
Garcia successfully defended his WBC welterweight championship by overwhelming the British challenger, who entered the bout as the organization's top-ranked contender. Following the contest, medical personnel transported Benn to a local hospital as a precaution to undergo thorough evaluations.
The matchup carried high stakes and marked Benn's return to the 147-pound division after more than four years competing at higher weights. Ahead of the opening bell, Benn had indicated that this appearance would be his final one at welterweight, with intentions to campaign in heavier weight classes moving forward.
In the aftermath of the defeat, the 29-year-old took to social media to address supporters and evaluate his professional trajectory. He acknowledged that uncertainty surrounds his future inside the ring and emphasized the heavy toll that training camps and elite competition have exacted on his personal life.
Benn stated that his immediate priority is dedicating time to his children and family, who have endured years of sacrifice while supporting his athletic ambitions. Throughout his career, Benn has bypassed traditional regional titles, building his profile through high-profile bouts, including notable matchups at middleweight against Chris Eubank Jr.
While a potential trilogy fight with Eubank remains a frequently discussed option for a future return, Benn has made it clear that no definitive decisions have been reached. For now, the contender is stepping away from the gym to focus on domestic life and recover from a difficult night in Nevada.
Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC Sport. Read the original report at BBC Sport.
