Conor Benn reverses Garcia prediction days before title fight

That expectation has now been replaced by certainty in the opposite direction. Benn is predicting Garcia will lose, and he has said so without qualification.

“You lot think I’m joking… I bet any money Barrios stops Garcia. I bet you any money,” Benn said on social media. “[Garcia] is gonna fumble the bag.”

The firmness of Benn’s prediction stood out alongside the reversal itself, since he did not leave room to adjust his position later. His earlier confidence in Garcia gave way to a clear belief in Garcia losing, and the timing drew attention, given the fight’s proximity.

Benn’s standing in the division remains intact regardless of the outcome. He is the mandatory challenger and has said he will pursue the winner, which keeps him attached to the title picture while allowing him to validate Barrios if Barrios wins or redirect his focus toward Garcia if Garcia prevails. His position ensures he remains part of the immediate title discussion.

Barrios holds the WBC welterweight title after claiming the vacant belt when Terence Crawford moved on. Garcia enters as the challenger, attempting to secure his first title at the weight. Benn has put himself in line for the winner either way, but his sudden reversal shows his earlier confidence in Garcia did not last as the fight drew closer.