Ryan Garcia has announced his highly anticipated world title clash with British boxer Conor Benn will take place in Las Vegas on 12 September, promising a "personal" showdown.
The American, who secured the WBC welterweight belt by outpointing Mario Barrios in February, revealed the date and location during an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.
Garcia stated the fight holds a deeper significance, explaining: "We are fighting September 12. It will be in Vegas, and the opponent, let’s just say he’s from the other side… across the pond." He then named Benn, adding, "he’s talking a lot and he’s talking crazy."
Garcia elaborated on the animosity, recalling a past encounter: "He actually confronted me at an award show two years ago. My wife was there, and he grabbed me, pressed up on me. So it’s a little personal. We’ll be ready to go get him."
He confidently predicted the outcome, declaring: "I’m really going to put a whooping on this man, and we will send him back to the UK sipping on some tea."
Benn, 29, has been on a strong trajectory, bouncing back from the sole defeat of his 26-fight career against Chris Eubank Jr.
He avenged that loss in a rematch seven months later and then unanimously outpointed former 140lbs champion Regis Prograis in April, securing his position as Garcia’s mandatory challenger.
Speaking to Sky Sports in April, Benn affirmed his focus on the bout. "Of course, it is the priority to get that Garcia fight done, but I am not short of options," he said.
"There are a lot of fighters calling me out, big names calling me out. God willing, we get the Garcia fight done for the title. I am in the number one position for that belt and I have worked extremely hard to get to that position."
Benn is now set to get his shot at world title glory after signing a contract extension with Zuffa Boxing following his shock decision to leave Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing earlier this year.
