Ryan Garcia vs Conor Benn predictions: Terence Crawford thinks Rolly Romero has shaped game plan

The boxing world is divided on Ryan Garcia and Conor Benn’s compelling cross-Atlantic clash.

Benn drops down to 147lbs for the first time in four years to challenge Garcia for his WBC welterweight title in Las Vegas on Saturday night.

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Many believe the weight will be Benn’s ultimate undoing, with the Brit looking very gaunt in recent pictures.

On the other hand, others point to Garcia’s tendency to blow hot and cold as justification for backing Benn.

Either way, opinions are split.

And here, talkSPORT.com has compiled some of the most notable verdicts.

Who is picking Ryan Garcia?

Eddie Hearn – Conor Benn’s former promoter

“It’s because I don’t think Conor should be fighting at 147[lbs],” Hearn told Boxing n BBQ.

“But Conor is dangerous, he’s got plenty of heart, and it will be a good fight.”

Josh Taylor – Former undisputed super lightweight champion

“Boxing ability-wise, I think Ryan Garcia probably knocks him out,” Taylor told Boxing News.

“I think that Garcia is the better boxer; he’s quicker, he’s sharper, he’s got more experience.

“Conor Benn has done well, and he has improved a hell of a lot, and he is bigger and stronger than Garcia.

“But going off that last performance [against Regis Prograis], I don’t think Garcia has anything to worry about.

“I think Garcia knocks him out going off that last performance.”

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Simon Jordan – talkSPORT pundit

“It’s about levels and with respect to Conor, going into a ring against a completely dehydrated and demoralised Chris Eubank Jr and going in against Ryan Garcia who has fought at this level [is different],” he said during a taping of talkSPORT’s talkBOXING podcast.

“We are talking about levels here. Are you all really making a case for Conor Benn to win this fight, because I can’t see that?”

Shakur Stevenson – Three-weight world champion

“I think Ryan beats him,” Stevenson told the Ariel Helwani Show.

“I don’t know [if it will be competitive]. It’s hard to say with Ryan; Ryan is so wishy-washy.

“It may be competitive; it may be Ryan by a wash.”

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Who is picking Conor Benn?

Terence Crawford – Three-weight undisputed champion

“I think Conor Benn,” Crawford told DAZN. “I think Rolly [Romero] showed us all that if you don’t get hit by the left hook and you land your big shots, you can neutralise Ryan.

“I think Conor Benn, going in with a great game plan, can be victorious.”

Brian ‘BoMac’ McIntyre – Trainer of multiple world champions

Speaking to Fight Hub TV, he said: “I think if Benn trains the way he’s supposed to train, and brings the fight like he did with Chris, I think he’ll be all right.

“He’s got to be the Conor that fought Chris and not the Conor that fought [Regis Prograis in April].”

Matchroom Boxing

Regis Prograis – Former super lightweight world champion and Conor Benn’s last opponent

“I think it’s a great fight and I pick Conor Benn,” Prograis told Fighthype.

“I think Ryan Garcia is a better boxer, but if they get to a fight, which might happen, I will pick Conor Benn.”

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