Conor Benn's path to becoming a world champion is riddled with challenges, and former British champion and Olympic bronze medallist David Price has weighed in on the matter. Price, a former heavyweight contender, believes that Benn's hand speed, while impressive, might not be enough to overcome the formidable Ryan Garcia in their upcoming welterweight showdown at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena on September 12.
The bout marks Garcia's first defense of his WBC world title, following a career-best performance against Mario Barrios in February. However, Price highlights a potential weakness in Benn's arsenal. Despite his speed, Benn has not fought at 147 lbs since 2022, and his last two outings were against faded versions of Chris Eubank Jr and Regis Prograis, resulting in unanimous decision victories. This raises questions about his ability to perform against a top-tier opponent like Garcia.
Price's skepticism is further fueled by the fact that both Benn and Garcia have faced doping controversies. Benn tested positive for clomifene, a banned substance, and was removed from his canceled 2022 encounter with Eubank. This incident casts a shadow over Benn's integrity and consistency, which could be a deciding factor in the upcoming fight.
In contrast, Garcia's recent performance against Rolando Romero, despite a loss on points, showcased his resilience and ability to adapt. Price acknowledges that Garcia's hand speed could be the key to victory, especially considering Benn's lack of experience at the top level. The former heavyweight contender's prediction leans towards Garcia, but he also acknowledges Benn's potential, leaving the outcome of this highly anticipated bout uncertain.
This fight presents a fascinating contrast between a seasoned veteran and a rising star, with both fighters having their fair share of controversies. Price's analysis adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the outcome of this welterweight clash.
