Carl Froch Delivers Brutal Assessment of Potential Benn-Garcia Clash
Former world champion Carl Froch has issued a stark warning about a potential future fight between Conor Benn and Ryan Garcia, declaring it would be a severely one-sided affair. Froch's comments come after witnessing Garcia's dominant performance to capture the WBC welterweight world title.
Garcia's Dominance and Benn's Ringside View
Froch watched as Ryan Garcia dropped Mario Barrios within just thirty seconds and then proceeded to control the entire twelve-round contest in Las Vegas. The comprehensive victory secured Garcia the WBC welterweight belt. Interestingly, Conor Benn, who holds the number one contender ranking for that very title, was present ringside to witness Garcia's masterclass.
Froch Questions Benn's Elite Credentials
In a blunt assessment, Carl Froch stated he simply cannot see Conor Benn competing with Ryan Garcia at the highest level. "He'd get splattered!" Froch exclaimed, emphasizing the perceived gap in class. Speaking to The Sun, Froch elaborated that Benn has not yet defeated the calibre of opponents required to prove he belongs in a world-title fight of such magnitude.
"Garcia would outbox him easily and move around him throughout the contest," Froch explained. He acknowledged that Benn sometimes dislikes this criticism but insisted the results on his record leave legitimate doubts about his readiness for a champion like Garcia.
Analyzing Benn's Career Path and Recent Split
Froch pointed to Benn's most notable opponent, Chris Eubank Jr., arguing that Eubank was past his peak and had suffered significant defeats in recent years. Therefore, Froch believes Benn's resume does not yet justify a fight with a newly crowned champion.
Complicating the potential matchup further is Benn's recent career move. The British boxer has shocked the boxing world by leaving his long-time promoter Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing. Instead, Benn has signed a lucrative deal with Dana White's Zuffa Boxing. This decision reportedly left Hearn, who staunchly supported Benn through his 2022 doping case, feeling hurt and betrayed, especially as communication was handled through lawyers.
Froch Defends Benn's Business Decision
Despite questioning his fighting readiness, Carl Froch defended Conor Benn's choice to pursue a more profitable promotional path. Froch called the split "just business," noting that boxing careers can end abruptly due to injury, and fighters must secure the largest possible paydays while they are able.
Benn's career faced a major stall when he tested positive for clomiphene in 2022. He denied any wrongdoing and, with Hearn's backing, fought the charges until the case was dropped and his suspension lifted. Upon his return, Benn reportedly earned close to $20 million from his two fights with Chris Eubank Jr.—a fight he lost in April but clearly won in a November rematch. He has not competed at the welterweight limit for nearly four years. Following the Eubank bouts, Benn agreed to a one-fight deal with Zuffa Boxing worth more than $10 million.
The combination of Benn's untested status at the elite level, his lengthy absence from the welterweight division, and the promotional upheaval now casts significant uncertainty over a potential blockbuster fight with the new champion, Ryan Garcia.
