Conor Benn was sent straight to hospital after his second-round defeat by Ryan Garcia.
Benn's attempt to capture the WBC welterweight title from Garcia was brought to an abrupt end within six minutes in Las Vegas. Benn initially rose from the canvas after being floored by a devastating right hand early in the round at T-Mobile Arena. But the American capitalised on his advantage, delivering a barrage of punches which pinned Benn against the ropes until the referee intervened.
Dana White confirms precautionary check
Zuffa Boxing chief Dana White confirmed Benn was sent to hospital as a precaution. "I don't know if he went already but we definitely want to send him," he said at the post-fight press conference. "I don't mess with that stuff, everybody should be checked out."
Competing at 147lbs since 2022, Benn was confronting a considerable leap in quality against an opponent famed for his hand speed. That speed was on display from the opening moments as Garcia connected with a left hook on Benn. The English fighter was caught by another left in the first round, but replied with a body shot of his own.
Benn offers no excuses
But he could do little to prevent Garcia in the second as he suffered his second loss in 27 bouts. Benn subsequently posted on social media: "Not my night, no excuses. Ryan Garcia, you're a great champion."
After retaining his title, Garcia said: "I've always had a right hand but it's always been injured. I was so prepared and so focused, and what a performance. I knew he was going to put me under pressure in the first round so I let him have his way a little bit."
"Then in the next round I stood my ground a little bit. He was coming in reckless and you can't do that with me; he would have been better running around for the first three rounds. I've got thunder in both hands and they're ready to go. I'm here, I'm the champion and I'm not going to f*** around."
"It went exactly as I imagined it. We knew he was going to put pressure on me with the idea I was going to fold somehow and get tired, but you can't jump in like that. He was exactly what I thought he was. He just needs more experience; I don't think he has enough at his point but I think he will be back."
