Connect with us

Sports

Eddie Hearn makes bold Conor Benn prediction after quick loss to Ryan Garcia

Published

on

Eddie Hearn has predicted that Conor Benn will soon retire from boxing, after his former ally’s emphatic loss to Ryan Garcia.

Last week, Garcia stopped Benn in the second round, retaining the WBC welterweight title in their Las Vegas main event.

Garcia, 28, dropped Benn with a hard right hook, and although the Briton beat the referee’s count, he was overwhelmed by the American, forcing the referee to stop the fight.

Conor Benn (left) during his stoppage loss to Ryan Garcia
Conor Benn (left) during his stoppage loss to Ryan Garcia (Getty)

Benn, 29, later said he was unsure what his next move will be, and that his priority is spending time with his family. He had previously suggested, however, that he will move back up to middleweight next.

In any case, Hearn has now discussed the fight, which was Benn’s second after leaving Hearn’s Matchroom promotion in a shocking move in February.

“My last few predictions were that I thought Ryan Garcia would win inside three rounds,” Hearn told iFL TV.

Advertisement

“I just felt [Benn] looked lost. I don’t know, didn’t really look like himself… and in the ring he looked all over the place, he looked like a rabbit in headlights.

“Listen, Conor Benn will be done in the next year or so. He may have one more fight. Who knows? He may not even fight again. He’s made his money.”

Doubling down on the sentiment, Hearn said: “Yeah, I do [think he’ll retire soon]. I think he wants his money, and he’s made a load of money. What else is there?

DAZN logo

Enjoy 185+ fights a year on DAZN, the Global Home of Boxing

Advertisement

Never miss a fight from top promoters. Watch on your devices anywhere, anytime.

Buy Now

ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

DAZN logo

Enjoy 185+ fights a year on DAZN, the Global Home of Boxing

Never miss a fight from top promoters. Watch on your devices anywhere, anytime.

Advertisement

Buy Now

ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

Benn was floored hard in the second round in Las Vegas
Benn was floored hard in the second round in Las Vegas (Getty)

“He’s not gonna beat anyone of any significance at 160lb [middleweight], so what are you in the game for? He’s in the game to make money, and he’s done that.

“I don’t think he’s gonna wanna hang around in the sport of boxing; he’s got other interests, he’s got family.”

Benn and Hearn’s split was a stunning one, with Matchroom having stood by the “Destroyer” during a drug-test saga that lasted from 2022 until 2024, only for the fighter to join Hearn’s rival Dana White at Zuffa Boxing.

Benn had failed two drug tests in summer 2022 and was provisionally suspended from fighting in the UK, until he was cleared to do so again in late 2024. He maintained his innocence throughout the episode.

Advertisement
Benn dropped Chris Eubank Jr twice in the final moments of their rematch, before winning on points
Benn dropped Chris Eubank Jr twice in the final moments of their rematch, before winning on points (Getty)

Benn was reportedly offered $15m to sign with Zuffa on a one-fight deal, and his promotional debut came against Regis Prograis in April. On the undercard of Tyson Fury’s win over Arslanbek Makhmudov, Benn outpointed the former world champion, who was boxing at a career-highest weight and retired after the bout. Benn then extended his Zuffa deal and faced Garcia.

His likeliest next move is a trilogy bout with Chris Eubank Jr, with whom he traded middleweight wins in 2025. Eubank Jr outpointed Benn in April, before his bitter rival returned the favour in November – scoring two knockdowns along the way.

Eubank Jr, 36, was quick to mock Benn after his loss to Garcia, while middleweight champion Denzel Bentley this week offered Benn a shot at his WBO belt.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Sports

4 WWE Superstars who could be added to the Women’s Money in the Bank and make it star-studded

Published

on

The Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match is beginning to take shape following WWE RAW in Mexico City.

Sol Ruca became the first woman to qualify after defeating Lyra Valkyria and Maxxine Dupri on September 7. Lola Vice then joined her by defeating Raquel Rodriguez and Kelani Jordan on September 14.

Four spots are still available, giving the creative team plenty of room to add some established names to the match. Here are four WWE Superstars who could make the Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match considerably more star-studded.


#4. Lash Legend

Lash Legend could bring a different physical presence to the Ladder Match. The 29-year-old has established herself as one of the more imposing competitors in the women’s division. Her combination of size and athleticism could be useful in a match where competitors have to fight around ladders and constantly deal with multiple opponents.

A spot in Money in the Bank would give Legend another opportunity to make an impact. Her physical style could also add some variety to a match featuring Ruca and Vice.


#3. IYO SKY

IYO SKY would give the match some much-needed experience. The Genius of the Sky has competed in numerous multi-person matches throughout her WWE career. She is also known for her athletic offense, which could make her a natural fit for a Ladder Match.

IYO’s experience could be particularly useful with two younger competitors already qualified. She would bring an established presence to the match without taking away from the newer talent.

Advertisement

Moreover, the Ladder Match format gives SKY plenty of opportunities to showcase the style that has made her one of WWE’s most recognizable performers.


#2. Charlotte Flair

Charlotte Flair would instantly add another major name to the match. The Queen has won multiple women’s championships throughout her career and has also won the Royal Rumble twice. She has therefore competed in some of the company’s biggest matches and would bring plenty of experience to Money in the Bank.

Her inclusion would also create several possible stories surrounding the briefcase. Any competitor looking to establish herself could benefit from sharing the ring with someone of Flair’s stature.

With Ruca and Vice already qualified, adding Flair would give the match another proven main-event performer.

Advertisement

#1. Former WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton

Tiffany Stratton could be one of the most natural additions to the match. The Buff Barbie already knows how important the Money in the Bank briefcase can be. She won the women’s Ladder Match in 2024 and later cashed in successfully on Nia Jax to become champion.

She has also remained an important part of SmackDown’s women’s division. Her alliance with Chelsea Green and the recent issues with Nia Jax and Lash Legend have kept her involved in the title picture.

youtube-cover

Another appearance in Money in the Bank would give Stratton a chance to repeat her previous success. It would also add another established name to a match that currently features two younger stars.

With four places still open, WWE can mix established performers with emerging talent. Ruca and Vice already provide the latter, while names such as Stratton, Flair, IYO, and Legend could give the Ladder Match more experience and star power.

Advertisement