Benn Gives Honest Take on Garcia Ahead of Barrios Fight

Conor Benn shares his assessment of Ryan Garcia's strengths and weaknesses before the WBC welterweight title bout.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Ahead of the upcoming Mario Barrios vs. Ryan Garcia fight for the WBC welterweight title, WBC mandatory challenger Conor Benn provided an honest assessment of Garcia. Benn praised Garcia's boxing skills and entertainment value, but also described him as a "liability" and "unpredictable" compared to the more disciplined Barrios, who fights with "heart" and "pride" for his country.

Why it matters

Benn's comments provide an interesting outside perspective on Garcia, one of boxing's rising young stars, as he prepares to face the more experienced champion Barrios. Benn's assessment raises questions about whether Garcia's flashy style and unpredictable nature will be an asset or liability against Barrios' grit and determination.

The details

In an interview on the Mr Verzace Podcast, Benn said he thinks Garcia is "great for boxing" but also a "liability" and "unpredictable." Benn praised Garcia's hand speed, athleticism and entertainment value, but said Barrios' Mexican heritage, heart and pride in fighting for his country could give him an edge over the younger Garcia.

  • The Barrios vs. Garcia fight is scheduled for February 21, 2026 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The players

Conor Benn

The WBC mandatory challenger in the welterweight division.

Ryan Garcia

A rising young boxing star who will challenge Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title.

Mario Barrios

The current WBC welterweight champion who will defend his title against Ryan Garcia.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I think Ryan Garcia is great for boxing. I think he's a liability. I think he's a loose cannon. I think he's unpredictable. You could say unprofessional. But ultimately, he's sheer entertainment. Gifted. He's got great hand speed. He's athletic. He's young. He's good for the sport of boxing, and I would tune in to watch a Ryan Garcia fight.”

— Conor Benn (Mr Verzace Podcast)

“But, when you have them qualities mixed with someone who has true Mexican blood, fights with heart, fights with pride, and fights for his country and fights for something more than clicks and views, it's hard to pick who's gonna win. Really, you think Ryan should win, and Ryan should win, really, but will he?”

— Conor Benn (Mr Verzace Podcast)

What’s next

The Barrios vs. Garcia fight for the WBC welterweight title is scheduled for February 21, 2026 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The takeaway

Benn's assessment of Garcia as a talented but unpredictable fighter highlights the intriguing dynamics of the upcoming Barrios vs. Garcia title fight. While Garcia's flashy style and skills make him the favorite, Barrios' grit, determination and pride in fighting for his country could give him an edge over the younger challenger.