Ryan Garcia defeated Conor Benn with a second-round stoppage in Las Vegas to retain his WBC welterweight crown. The bout, held on Mexican Independence Day weekend, saw Garcia, who is of Mexican heritage, enter the ring to mariachi music.
Benn, accompanied by his father Nigel, was met with boos from the 18,855 crowd at the T-Mobile Arena. The fight followed a moment of silence for the first anniversary of boxer Ricky Hatton's death.
In the opening round, Benn aggressively pressed forward while Garcia focused on counter-punching. Garcia landed several sharp punches, increasingly finding gaps as Benn moved in. By the second round, a left uppercut staggered Benn. The fight concluded when Garcia landed a right hand that sent Benn to the canvas. Although Benn beat the referee's count, the official stepped in to stop the fight as Benn was trapped against the ropes.
There were differing opinions ringside regarding the stoppage, with some suggesting it was premature as Benn was still attempting to evade punches. However, the referee's decision was seen as justified to prevent further punishment.
Following the fight, the boxers embraced. Garcia's victory shifted attention to him, and he was seen exchanging words with WBO champion Teofimo Lopez at ringside. Benn departed the arena appearing dejected.