Hearn likes the matchup but believes its biggest audience would come from Britain rather than the United States
Eddie Hearn believes Ryan Garcia and Conor Benn can deliver an entertaining fight, but he is unconvinced it would become a major commercial success in the United States. The Matchroom chairman argued the matchup has far greater appeal in Britain, where Benn has built his fan base and Garcia remains a recognizable name.
Garcia remains one of boxing’s biggest social media stars and one of the sport’s most recognizable names in the United States. Benn, meanwhile, has built a strong following in Britain. Hearn suggested that the difference could affect how the fight is received internationally.
“I think it’s a good fight. I don’t think it’s a big fight in America. I think it’s a big fight in the UK. Obviously, Ryan’s a big star in America. Conor’s not. Ryan’s a bigger star in the UK than Conor is in America, and Conor’s a big star in the UK,” said Hearn to the media.
Hearn also questioned expectations for the event’s commercial performance, despite the attention generated by Ryan’s name and Benn’s profile in Britain.
“Yeah, I don’t think it’s a fight that’s going to do massive numbers, but I like the fight.”
The Matchroom chairman then turned to the boxing side of the matchup, arguing that 147 pounds favors Ryan and suggesting Benn is more comfortable carrying additional weight.
“I don’t think Conor should be fighting at 147. I like him up at 160 or up towards that weight class,” said Hearn.
Hearn’s comments highlight a problem that has followed the discussion of the fight since it first surfaced. Garcia is a recognizable name in the United States, but Benn’s profile is largely concentrated in Britain.
While Benn is one of the UK’s better-known active fighters, much of that recognition comes from his family name and domestic following. Hearn suggested that the difference could limit the fight’s appeal outside the British market and prevent it from becoming the major transatlantic event some expect.
An official announcement for Garcia-Benn has not yet been made, though speculation surrounding the fight has intensified in recent weeks.
