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Garcia TKO Benn in Second Round, Retains WBC Title

ESPN General •
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Ryan Garcia delivered a stunning TKO victory over Conor Benn at T-Mobile Arena, retaining the WBC welterweight title in just two rounds. Garcia promised a quick finish and lived up to the hype, dropping Benn with a right hand 20 seconds into the second round. Despite Benn standing up, he was left defenseless along the ropes, prompting referee Thomas Taylor to stop the fight at 1:25.

The victory marked Garcia's fastest win since February 2020 and his first title defense since capturing the belt from Mario Barrios. Garcia called out unified champions Teofimo Lopez and Devin Haney immediately after the fight. Promoted by Turki Alalshikh and Zuffa Boxing, the event drew a sellout crowd generating an $8 million gate according to Dana White.

Benn suffered his first career knockout loss, having previously lost only by decision to Chris Eubank Jr. Garcia remains with Golden Boy Promotions but made a significant statement under the Zuffa banner. Garcia's camp cited a healthy right hand as the catalyst for the performance. The win improves Garcia to 26-0, while Benn falls to 25-2.