Ryan Garcia can validate himself as legitimate champion in first defense of welterweight belt

Ryan Garcia enters Saturday night’s showdown with Conor Benn carrying the WBC welterweight championship, but understanding that winning the belt and establishing himself as a legitimate champion are different accomplishments. Garcia captured the first recognized world title of his turbulent career in February, dominating Mario Barrios over 12 rounds for a unanimous decision. Now he must prove that victory began a sustained championship run.

His first defense comes at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, where personal hostility and contrasting styles should produce a revealing test. Benn intends to pressure Garcia, force exchanges and make the fight physical. Garcia believes that aggression will create countering opportunities.

Read the original report at Apnews.