Malignaggi: Benn's Lack of Power Dooms Him vs. Ryan Garcia

Paulie Malignaggi says Conor Benn does not hit hard enough to survive Ryan Garcia when the two meet on September 12 in Las Vegas, and he expects Garcia to knock him out.

"I think he knocks him out. Conor's a tough kid. He's not good, though, and so I don't see how he avoids eventually getting knocked out," Malignaggi said on Fight Hub TV. "Ryan's not the kind of guy who will assault you, but he will put hands on you, and he'll hit you with a sneaky shot you don't see because he's got that kind of speed."

Why Malignaggi Doubts Benn's Power

Malignaggi's case against Benn is built on results, not reputation. Benn has not stopped an opponent since a second-round finish of Chris van Heerden in April 2022, and his five fights since then have gone a combined 56 rounds, producing four decision wins and a decision loss. He did drop Chris Eubank Jr twice in the final round of their rematch, proof he can hurt people, but that fight still went to the scorecards.

Malignaggi also waved off any link between that drop-off and the doping case that once hung over Benn. Two VADA samples from July 25 and September 1, 2022 came back with adverse findings for clomifene, but an independent National Anti-Doping Panel ruled UK Anti-Doping had not proven a violation, and the charge was dismissed in November 2024 with no appeal from UKAD. "Ever since the whole steroid scandal and whatnot, yeah, I know he was cleared, but the guy wasn't hitting hard before that, and he hasn't been hitting hard after that," Malignaggi said. His point is that Benn's punch output was never the issue, his one-shot power was, and that predates and postdates the case entirely.

Garcia, by contrast, brings a deep amateur pedigree into the fight. "Ryan, streamer and all, is still a kid with about 200 amateur fights and is world class," Malignaggi said. "If he's motivated, he can fight, and he can punch." Benn had roughly 20 amateur fights before turning pro, a gap Malignaggi believes will show up the moment either man has to adjust on the fly.

Where Benn's Best Chance Actually Lies

Benn's path runs through the phone booth, not the open ring. Garcia tends to retreat in straight lines with his chin up when pressured, and if Benn can close distance without eating the first counter, he can back Garcia to the ropes and force a fight at close range, where his shoulders, body work and physicality carry more weight. The problem is getting there. Benn generally advances in straight lines without much feinting or head movement, which hands Garcia a clean look to time a left hook on the way in, a shot that is far harder to see coming than one thrown in a stationary exchange. Mixing in lateral movement and feints would make his entries less predictable, but that is a stylistic change, not something he has shown consistently in recent fights.

The weight cut adds another variable. Benn has not made 147 pounds since 2022, fighting Eubank Jr twice near middleweight and coming in at 149 1/2 against Regis Prograis this past April. Shedding those extra pounds after years above welterweight could affect his legs and reaction time in ways that matter against a fighter who only needs a small window.

Betting Angle

The market has already priced in most of what Malignaggi is arguing. Sportsbooks have Garcia as a heavy favorite for the September 12 card at T-Mobile Arena, with lines in the -330 to -400 range depending on the book and Benn sitting out near +275 to +330. That price reflects the same read Malignaggi is giving: Garcia's speed, amateur background and counter-punching should outweigh Benn's pressure unless Benn can consistently fight from close range without getting caught first. For bettors looking at method-of-victory or round props, the counter-shot theory matters more than the moneyline. If Garcia is going to win, the smart money says it likely comes off a single clean shot rather than a long, punishing forced stoppage, which makes over/under round totals and Garcia-by-KO props worth a closer look against straight moneyline value on a fighter already priced as a heavy favorite.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do Ryan Garcia and Conor Benn fight?

Ryan Garcia and Conor Benn meet on September 12 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

What does Paulie Malignaggi predict for Garcia vs. Benn?

Paulie Malignaggi predicts Ryan Garcia will knock out Conor Benn, citing a large gap in speed, skill and boxing education.

Why does Malignaggi say Conor Benn lacks power?

Malignaggi points to Benn not stopping an opponent since April 2022 over his last five fights, which combined for 56 rounds and four decisions plus one decision loss, as evidence his power was never as heavy as advertised.