Who Is Ryan Garcia’s Next Opponent?

What is next for Ryan Garcia after stopping Conor Benn?

Garcia (26-2, 21 KOs) on Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, should levels matter in fights, and no matter where you rate Garcia, is at least two or three levels above Benn (25-2, 14 KOs), who looked too primitive and basic to compete with Garcia.

So who could be next?

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Teofimo Lopez

The most obvious fight. Lopez was in the mix during fight week. He was also brought up after the fight. Lopez holds the WBA welterweight title after beating Rolando Romero. It could also be a huge opportunity for Lopez, as Garcia is probably a little overrated after destroying Benn, who is essentially a regional fighter.

Liam Paro 

If Paro still holds a title next year, which he could, he would be a good unification opponent for Garcia. Paro, a two-division champion who beat Lewis Crocker to win the IBF title, appears undersized in the division and would be a highly sought-after unification bout. If Garcia wants more titles and Paro is available, it could happen.

Devin Haney

Garcia was deemed an elite fighter after beating Haney, though that bout was later ruled a no-contest. Revisiting that fight would be huge. The big problem: Haney has now been out of the ring for 10 months, and we have not heard a rumored return date. It would seem Haney would likely need a stay-busy fight at this level of inactivity.

Richardson Hitchins

Hitchins might not be the most exciting fighter, but he is the opposite of Benn. He has a strong boxing IQ and knows how to use range and distance. Garcia is a great counterpuncher, but Hitchins can at least set traps.

Arnold Barboza Jr

Garcia has at least one more fight with Golden Boy Promotions, and Barboza is on a winning streak and has signed with Oscar De La Hoya’s company. Both Garcia and Barboza have ties to the streaming community, and honestly, it could be a profitable fight that’s far more competitive than Saturday’s.

Brian Norman Jr

If we want to see how good Garcia is, put him against Norman. He may or may not be elite, but Norman wants challenges, is mentally tough, and has power. Garcia’s tendency to panic under pressure remains a concern. At the very least, Garcia will experience discomfort and have to answer some questions hardcore fight fans want answered.

Lucas Ketelle

Lucas Ketelle is a boxing writer and podcaster who has appeared on various platforms throughout his career.

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