Former undisputed champion Terence Crawford is backing Conor Benn to upset Ryan Garcia in their September title fight. Crawford believes Benn’s size and power will be decisive, predicting an early end to Garcia’s short reign as the WBC welterweight world champion.
The contest, scheduled for September 12 in Las Vegas, pits the newly crowned Garcia against a challenger returning to the 147lb division for the first time since 2022. Garcia captured the world title in February from Mario Barrios, a successful bid that followed two previous failed attempts. Benn, however, raised questions over his form after a below-par performance at a 150lb catchweight against Regis Prograis earlier this year. Despite this, Crawford sees the physical attributes as the key factor. The former champion outlined his view on the matchup, weighing experience against raw power.
Crawford, who unified the division in 2023, told Uncrowned Combat that he views Benn’s natural advantages as the deciding element. “I think that is a good fight. I think, of course, Ryan has got the experience, but I think that Conor has got the size and the power. I think that it’s going to be an interesting fight moving forward.” This assessment from one of the sport’s most respected figures gives significant credibility to the possibility of an upset.
For Garcia, a loss would immediately halt the momentum he built by finally securing a world title. But for Benn, a victory would silence critics and instantly establish him as a dominant force at welterweight, proving he can carry his power effectively back down to the division limit. Crawford left no doubt about where he stands, making a definitive prediction on the outcome.
“I’m going to go with Conor, I think that he is going to upset him.”
The welterweight world title fight will headline a card at the T-Mobile Arena, with undefeated cruiserweight Jai Opetaia also expected to feature.
