Ryan dropped Benn with a right hand early in the second before trapping him against the ropes. Benn was still upright when Taylor stepped between them, but he was absorbing unanswered punches and offering little in return.

Calling Ryan a “great champion” also removes some of the sting from the one-sided loss. Benn had spent the buildup questioning Ryan’s toughness and promising to drag him into a punishing fight. Instead, Ryan’s speed and right hand ended Benn’s first world title opportunity before it had time to develop.

The defeat was Benn’s first by stoppage. His next decision will be whether to remain at welterweight after the severe cut or return to the higher divisions where he had competed more recently.