Cedrick Peynaud offers to help Conor Benn rebuild after Ryan Garcia stoppage
Cedrick Peynaud says Conor Benn faces a crossroads after his second-round defeat to Ryan Garcia and has offered to help the Londoner prepare for a comeback, telling World Boxing News Benn must decide whether to carry on or enjoy his earnings.
By Lee CoombsPublished 21 September 2026
Former rival Cedrick Peynaud has told World Boxing News that Conor Benn must decide whether to attempt a comeback after his second‑round stoppage by Ryan Garcia in Las Vegas or walk away and enjoy the money he has made. Peynaud, who dropped Benn twice in their 2017 fight at York Hall and later fought a rematch, said Benn faces a genuine crossroads and offered to help him prepare if he chooses to continue.
Peynaud speaks out
Ex-opponent says Benn faces a ‘genuine crossroads’ after Garcia loss
Cedrick Peynaud told World Boxing News that Conor Benn must decide whether to rebuild after his defeat to Ryan Garcia or step away from the sport. Peynaud — who has a long personal connection to Benn dating back to their fights in 2017 and 2018 — said the choice depends on what Benn wants "deep down" and acknowledged Benn has the financial resources to enjoy life if he prefers. "To get back up and keep fighting, or to enjoy his life, since he’s made a lot of money to secure his future," Peynaud said to WBN, adding he hopes Benn makes a conscious decision because "regrets sometimes weigh much more heavily than anything else."
Las Vegas defeat
Garcia dropped and stopped Benn in second round during Benn's first world title attempt
Peynaud's comments follow Benn's defeat to Ryan Garcia at T‑Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, where Garcia dropped Benn with a right hand before ending the contest in the second round. World Boxing News reported the loss was the first stoppage defeat of Benn's professional career and came during Benn's first world‑title opportunity. WBN also noted Benn had shown significant star power during fight week prior to the bout.
A long familiarity
Peynaud was last man to floor Benn before Garcia
Peynaud pointed out he was the last fighter to put Benn on the canvas before Garcia did so nearly nine years later. At York Hall in 2017 Peynaud dropped Benn twice; Benn recovered to win that night and later beat Peynaud comfortably in a 2018 rematch. Peynaud said he has followed Benn's career since and previously told WBN he believed Benn had what was required to become a world champion — a prediction he said remains unfulfilled after the Garcia defeat. "Will he be the warrior who falls and gets back up to win, or will he stay down?" Peynaud asked WBN.
Looking ahead
Peynaud offers training help and points to domestic options if Benn carries on
Peynaud urged Benn to continue and offered a practical way to help: training together ahead of a comeback. "I hope he continues, so I can suggest we train together. Peynaud vs. Benn 3 unofficial," he told WBN. World Boxing News noted Benn's recent run included two fights with Chris Eubank Jr. in 2025 — a loss in April followed by a November rematch victory — and a win over Regis Prograis on the Fury vs Makhmudov undercard in April before travelling to Las Vegas. Peynaud said another big domestic fight, including a potential further meeting with Eubank, would remain an option should Benn decide to keep fighting.