Updated
Updated · Bleacher Report · Sep 13
B/R Picks 4 Ryan Garcia Opponents After Round-2 TKO of Conor Benn
Updated
Updated · Bleacher Report · Sep 13

B/R Picks 4 Ryan Garcia Opponents After Round-2 TKO of Conor Benn

3 articles · Updated · Bleacher Report · Sep 13

Summary

  • Ryan Garcia’s second-round TKO of Conor Benn in Las Vegas has reset the welterweight picture, prompting B/R’s staff to rank four possible next opponents for the new WBC champion.
  • Teofimo Lopez tops the “could happen” list because he holds the WBA belt after beating Rolando Romero last month, setting up a natural unification fight with Garcia.
  • Souleymane Cissokho is framed as the most likely next foe if the WBC enforces its order, with the unbeaten 18-0 French contender previously bypassed despite his mandatory-challenger status.
  • Devin Haney is the preferred matchup for rivalry value after their 2024 bout was changed to a no contest, while Jake Paul is cast as the biggest crossover fight.

Insights

After an explosive knockout, will Ryan Garcia chase boxing glory against Devin Haney or pursue a lucrative crossover spectacle with Jake Paul?
Will boxing politics force Ryan Garcia to abandon a massive Teofimo Lopez unification to fight a lesser-known mandatory challenger?
Could Ryan Garcia's healed right hand and devastating stoppage finally silence the critics lingering from his controversial 2024 no-contest scandal?