Ryan Garcia Stops Conor Benn In Two Rounds

Ryan Garcia made quick work of his first title defense, stopping Conor Benn in the second round to retain his WBC welterweight title Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Garcia hurt Benn with a left hook in round one, then finished him in the second with a heavy overhand right that sent him down hard. Benn beat the count, but Garcia closed in immediately with a flurry that included a chopping shot to the temple, prompting referee Thomas Taylor to step in at 1:25 of the round. Some felt the stoppage came a touch early, though Benn didn't dispute it and was taken to the hospital as a precaution.

Garcia first won the title in February with a decision over Mario Barrios at the same venue. Benn, fighting for his first world title, had entered off wins over Chris Eubank Jr. and Regis Prograis.

With the win secured, Garcia immediately turned his attention to WBA champion Teofimo Lopez and WBO titleholder Devin Haney, setting his sights on undisputed status at 147 pounds.