Conor Benn in talks over world title bout against previously banned drug cheat

Conor Benn is reportedly in talks to take on WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia later this year.

Benn, 29, boxed to a unanimous decision victory over former world champion Regis Prograis on the undercard of Tyson Fury’s comeback against Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 11.

Many criticised Benn’s performance, with the Brit finishing the bout with a heavily swollen face and a cut above his eye.

The bout was Benn’s first with Zuffa Boxing, with the Englishman controversially parting ways with long-time promoter Eddie Hearn earlier this year.

The switch has caused a feud between the Matchroom Boxing chief and the fighter, although the 29-year-old has maintained that he respects Hearn but made the decision with his family’s interests in mind.

Supporters have questioned who Benn will face next, and according to reports, that man may be Garcia.

As reported by Boxing Scene, the pair are “far along” in negotiations for a late-summer WBC welterweight title defence.

A source told the outlet that a date and venue have yet to be decided, although the fight will likely take place in August.

The event is expected to be streamed on either Netflix or DAZN.

Garcia, 27, won the WBC title last time out when he defeated Mario Barrios by unanimous decision in Nevada, improving his record to 25–1.

The victory was the California-born fighter’s first since returning from a one-year doping ban after testing positive for ostarine following his win over Devin Haney – now a no-contest – in April 2024.

Garcia tested positive for the substance in two separate tests taken before the bout. He was later fined £950,000 ($1.2m) and ordered to pay a further £7,900 ($10,000).

Benn also served a two-year ban between 2022 and 2024 after testing positive for clomifene, a banned substance according to the World Anti-Doping Agency.

The National Anti-Doping Panel later cleared him of any wrongdoing.

Speaking earlier this month, Benn described Garcia as “good for boxing” as well as a “liability”.

“I think Garcia’s good for the sport of boxing. I think he’s a character and he’s entertaining, but he’s also a liability,” Benn told BBC Sport.

“Garcia was next, that was scheduled – I am mandatory number one for Garcia.

“Now, if you’re me, do you wait until September or do you take a potential banana skin in the middle? I like rolling the dice, having a little bit of fun and keeping active.

“You don’t know who’s turning up – you don’t know if Garcia’s turning up.

“You don’t know if he’s going to make the fight or not, or have some sort of episode. You just don’t know.

“People don’t want to be themselves in the sport of boxing, so I love it when I see a young man under fire for being who he is.

“At least you’re true to yourself and who you are. Whether I like you or not – I don’t like him – but some people do. Just be who you are.”