Ryan Garcia has never been shy about speaking his mind, but his latest comments about a potential fight with Conor Benn show just how calculated — and business-minded — the American boxing star has become. Amid swirling rumors that a transatlantic clash with the British welterweight is on the table, Garcia has made it clear he’s not ruling anything out. In fact, for the right payday, he says he’d fight anyone.
Speaking in a recent interview, Garcia addressed speculation linking him with a showdown against Benn, the undefeated British contender who has been trying to rebuild his career after a turbulent couple of years involving failed drug tests and a high-profile suspension. With both men known for their outspoken personalities and fan-friendly fighting styles, the idea of a Garcia vs. Benn bout is enticing to boxing promoters on both sides of the Atlantic.
But for Garcia, one thing comes first: the money.
> “I already know what it would take to get me in the ring with Conor Benn. I’d fight anyone for that amount,” Garcia said, without naming the figure outright but making it obvious that the purse would have to be massive.
It’s no surprise that Garcia, 25, is thinking dollars and cents. Despite his flashy lifestyle and social media fame, “King Ry” has proven he’s serious about making his fights count both in the ring and at the box office. Earlier this year, he pocketed millions for his blockbuster bout with Devin Haney — a fight that ended in controversy but cemented Garcia’s reputation as one of boxing’s biggest draws.
Benn, meanwhile, is desperate for a marquee opponent to reignite his stalled momentum. After being cleared to fight in the UK again following a long battle with the British Boxing Board of Control, Benn has been calling out big names from America and beyond. A clash with Garcia would be a headline-grabber, sure to sell out an arena in London or New York and pull huge numbers on pay-per-view.
But stylistically, it’s a risk for both. Garcia has mostly fought at super lightweight, while Benn is a natural welterweight with proven power. The matchup would require Garcia to bulk up — and Benn to convince fans he’s worthy of a big-money fight after time out of the spotlight. Still, in today’s boxing landscape where crossover spectacles and big paydays increasingly outweigh legacy fights, the hype alone might be enough.
Garcia, for his part, is perfectly aware of that dynamic. He knows his star power means he can pick his opponents and name his price. In his own words, “When it comes to big fights, I’m the A-side. Everyone knows that. So if Conor Benn wants that smoke, he knows what he has to do — and what he has to pay.”
As of now, there’s no official negotiation — just buzz and bold statements. But given Garcia’s willingness to entertain all comers for the right check, and Benn’s hunger to get back into boxing’s biggest conversations, don’t be surprised if this transatlantic clash becomes reality sooner than later.
One thing’s for sure: if Ryan Garcia does sign on the dotted line to fight Conor Benn, it won’t come cheap. And in Garcia’s world, that’s
just how he likes it.
