Conor Benn’s bid to claim the WBC welterweight crown from Ryan Garcia was ended inside two rounds in Las Vegas.
Benn initially beat the count after being dropped to the canvas by a fierce right hand early in the round at T-Mobile Arena.
But the American seized his opportunity, unleashing a flurry of punches which trapped Benn on the ropes until the referee stepped in.
Fighting down at 147lbs since 2022, Benn was facing a significant step up in class against an opponent renowned for his hand speed.
That speed was in evidence in the opening moments as Garcia caught Benn with a left hook. He was caught by another left in the opening round, but responded with a body shot of his own.
But Benn could do little to stop Garcia in the second as he fell to his second defeat in 27 fights.