Nevertheless, the impending championship bout for Garcia is fraught with genuine unpredictability. He has been out of action since his loss to Romero and has attracted notice for training apart from a conventional, intensive camp. As he faces Barrios for the WBC belt on a DAZN pay-per-view event, the focus will be squarely on his precision and preparedness, rather than his market appeal.
Benn intends to be present at the event, making his objectives very apparent.
“I declared my intention to become the WBC champion. That aspiration has consistently been my goal,” Benn revealed to Sky Sports. “Now, having been named the mandatory challenger and finding myself so close, I will attend ringside, and I intend to challenge the victor.”
The World Boxing Council prompted surprise by designating Benn as Barrios’ compulsory challenger on December 2nd in Bangkok. Benn has not competed within the welterweight division’s weight parameters for three years, leading to inquiries about his capacity to comfortably hit the weight target without diminishing his performance.
Notwithstanding these doubts, Benn expresses certainty regarding the result of the February 21st match.
“It will undoubtedly be Garcia. Garcia against Benn. I find that appealing,” he stated.
Such self-assurance could be premature. Garcia’s previous defeat to Romero revealed his struggles under the intense pressure from a power-hitter, whereas Barrios steps into the ring as a naturally bigger, composed welterweight boasting championship credentials. To assume Garcia will navigate this contest effortlessly is a precarious proposition.
Tony Sims, Benn’s coach, expressed a comparable sentiment, though he refrained from offering any firm assurances.
“Our expectation is for Ryan Garcia to be the next opponent,” Sims commented. “Should Garcia emerge victorious, then Conor would be aiming to challenge him.”
