For the first time, the American-Mexican boxer, Ryan García will headline the boxing card for Mexico’s Independence Day celebrations this Saturday, September 12 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, and his debut will have a special setting as he will make the first defense of his World Boxing Council welterweight title against British fighter Conor Benn. It is worth remembering that the Californian won the title in February 2026 by defeating Mario Barrios.
“King Ryan” is looking to rebuild his career after a period in which he faced a mental health crisis, tested positive in a doping control, and received a suspension that kept him out of the ring for one year after testing positive for ostarine, a banned performance-enhancing substance, in tests related to his fight against Devin Haney on April 20, 2024. Since that period, he has worked to reposition himself among boxing’s top attractions and further away from stories outside the ring. His effort is paying off, and he will headline this weekend’s Patria Card along with 8 other fights.
What are the fights on the Ryan Garcia vs Ben Connor card?
Without a doubt, the most attractive fight of the night is the one starring Ryan Garcia, who will arrive with a record of 25 victories (20 by way of KO) and 2 defeats. However, Conor Benn will have his first fight as a challenger for a world title belt, and he comes off defeating Regis Prograis by unanimous decision at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. The son of former international monarch Nigel Benn arrives with credentials of 25 wins (14 KOs) and just one defeat, but also with the desire to end his knockout drought, having not finished a fight by this route for four years.
Another fight that has drawn attention is that of Australian Jai Opetaia against Lithuanian Noel Mikaelian, billed as a power war in the cruiserweight division. Both have devastating punching power, and the pride and belts of the division are at stake in a bout that will have a limit of 12 rounds and will be the co-main event of the night. Also drawing attention on the card is José Ramírez against Alexis Rocha, a high-voltage clash between Mexicans and ranked super lightweight contenders. It promises a constant exchange of punches from the opening bell.
This is the full fight card for the event between Ryan Garcia vs Conor Benn:
- Ryan García vs. Conor Benn | WBC welterweight title | 12 rounds
- Jai Opetaia vs. Noel Mikaelian | The Ring cruiserweight titles | 12 rounds
- Mark Magasyo vs. Andrés Cortés | Lightweight | 10 rounds
- Raphael Akpejiori vs. Damazion Vanhouter | Heavyweight | 8 rounds
- José Ramírez vs. Alexis Rocha | Super lightweight | 10 rounds
- Abel González vs. Raúl Salomón | Super Middleweight | 8 rounds
- Vlad Panin vs. Dakota Linger | Super Welterweight | 6 rounds
- Pablo Rubio vs. Oswaldo Molina | Super Lightweight | 10 rounds
- Sean García vs. Abraham Morales | Lightweight | 6 rounds
Who is the favorite to win the Ryan Garcia vs Conor Benn fight?
At the official weigh-in for Saturday’s fight, Ryan Garcia weighed 145.5 pounds while Conor Benn tipped the scales at 146. Both fighters made weight by coming in under 147 pounds, where two of boxing’s biggest stars will face off for the WBC welterweight title as part of the festivities surrounding Mexico’s Independence Day. Some consider Garcia the sport’s biggest star, while Benn’s (25-1, 14 KOs) popularity has risen considerably over the past year following two thrilling bouts against Chris Eubank Jr. and his signing with Zuffa Boxing, the promotion run by Dana White.
The favorite to win the WBC welterweight world title fight is Ryan García against Britain’s Conor Benn. Most analysts and experts point to the Mexican as the winner thanks to his greater speed, precision in punching and counterpunching. In addition, the weight cut required of the Englishman to make 147 pounds could drain his energy and take its toll against García’s explosiveness.
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