Ryan Garcia Targets Teofimo Lopez After Benn Win

Ryan Garcia retained his WBC welterweight title with a second-round knockout win against Conor Benn at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Following the victory, the 28-year-old American fighter stated that he wants to pursue a welterweight title unification fight against World Boxing Association champion Teofimo Lopez Jr.

Garcia’s victory over Benn brought his professional record to 26 wins and two losses, with 21 knockouts. Benn’s record moved to 25 wins and two losses.

Potential Unification Fight with Teofimo Lopez

Lopez, 29, recently moved up in weight to capture the WBA welterweight title through a majority decision victory over Rolando Romero. That win followed a unanimous decision loss to Shakur Stevenson in January, which ended Lopez’s reign as WBO junior welterweight champion. Lopez is currently the only member of the group of rival fighters known as the ‘New Four Kings’ whom Garcia has not fought in a professional bout.

Addressing a potential matchup, Garcia asserted that Lopez’s defensive capabilities are overstated. Garcia stated, “I think that I will knock him out,” adding that negotiations should be uncomplicated because Lopez fights under the DAZN streaming network.

Status of Rematches with Devin Haney and Gervonta Davis

Garcia also discussed possible future bouts with Devin Haney and Gervonta Davis, both of whom have previous history with him. Haney, 27, holds the WBO title after defeating Brian Norman Jr. by unanimous decision in November. Garcia and Haney previously fought in April 2024, where Garcia initially won by majority decision after scoring three knockdowns. However, the result was altered to a no-contest after Garcia tested positive for the banned substance ostarine.

Garcia indicated that a rematch with Haney is unlikely to take place in the next seven or eight months, citing personal circumstances for Haney following the death of his mother in August. Garcia expressed a desire to prioritize the Lopez bout before re-evaluating a match with Haney.

In addition to Haney, Garcia previously faced Gervonta Davis in April 2023 at a 136-pound catchweight. Davis handed Garcia the first defeat of his professional career via a seventh-round knockout. Garcia maintains an interest in securing an eventual rematch with Davis as well.

Background

The welterweight division features multiple belt holders following recent weight-class moves by former junior welterweight champions. Garcia’s victory over Benn marks his second fight of 2026, solidifying his position as the WBC titleholder while contenders move between division weight limits to secure championship unification matches.