The verbal showdown between Conor Benn and Ryan Garcia reignited in Las Vegas on Thursday, turning the final press conference into a spectacle that even featured Teofimo Lopez masquerading as a reporter with a faux beard. The atmosphere was electric as the two fighters exchanged barbs, each trying to gain a psychological edge ahead of their upcoming bout. Garcia, the WBC welterweight champion with a record of 25 wins, 2 losses and 20 knockouts, is preparing to defend his title for the first time.
He captured the belt in February after defeating Mario Barrios, and now he faces Benn, who is coming off a string of high‑profile victories, including an April triumph over Regis Prograis and a revenge win against Chris Eubank Jr. Benn, standing at 25‑1 with 14 knockouts, sees this fight as the biggest test of his career. During the press event, Benn made it clear he was not interested in any pleasantries. "Just don't cuddle me in here.
I didn't come all the way to America for you to cuddle," he said, drawing laughter from the crowd but also signaling his focus on the fight. Both athletes have previously been embroiled in controversy. Garcia tested positive for the banned substance ostarine earlier in 2024, while Benn’s provisional anti‑doping suspension stemming from two failed tests in 2022 was lifted later that same year. These issues have added an extra layer of intrigue to their rivalry.
Garcia, who skipped Wednesday’s face‑to‑face event, was the more vocal of the two on Thursday, hurling a series of insults across the table toward the British fighter. When Benn responded by simply raising a finger to his lips and then exiting the stage, the tension was palpable. Garcia warned that Benn would likely resort to "dirty tactics" in an attempt to gain an advantage.
"He's going to try real hard, we know that. He's probably going to have to try to resort to some dirty tactics, so we'll be prepared for that," Garcia said.
He added, "We're just going to do what we do best—stay sharp, be ready for everything, and we're prepared, man. We're conditioned 100 percent, and we'll put on a hell of a show, I promise you that." One of the biggest storylines heading into the fight is Benn’s dramatic weight cut. After fighting Eubank Jr.
at middleweight twice, Benn’s last appearance at the welterweight limit (147 pounds) was back in April 2022 against Chris van Heerden. This will be his first world‑title fight at welterweight, and he acknowledges the challenge: "I'm not concerned. I don't focus on him and what he does, I focus on what I do.
I bring tenacity, ferocity, spite, experience. I've been here before, I've fought in front of 70,000 three times now, on the bounce.
So you know I'm here to come and really set the tone from the first round." Garcia continued to question Benn’s ability to make weight, suggesting the British fighter would struggle the night before the bout. "I know you're not on weight, because I can see it in your eyes.
You ain't on weight," he taunted. "Hey, you're going to hit that bathtub tonight, or the bike." The exchange also turned personal.
Garcia took offense at Benn’s earlier remarks about his Mexican heritage and fired back at Benn’s father, former champion Nigel Benn. "Come Saturday night when his blood is spilling out his mouth, that will be enough to show him how Mexican I am," Garcia declared. He then mocked Nigel Benn, saying, "I heard his dad talking like he was gonna knock me out.
Bet he won't. Bet he won't.
We can bet whatever too. Your son ain't gonna knock me out. He couldn't even knock out Regis. Your dad ain't right.
Your dad lying to you. I hope you know that. Dad lying to you." Benn responded by telling Garcia to focus on his own issues.
"He seems to have enough problems as it is," Benn said. "I don't look at him, I just worry about myself and don't cut corners.
We'll see who makes weight tomorrow." Adding a surprising twist, WBA "Super" welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez appeared on stage wearing a fake beard and introduced himself as "Jack Hoffman" before posing a question to the crowd. The stunt added a surreal element to an already chaotic press conference. Looking ahead, the fight is set for Saturday night in Las Vegas.
At 29 years old, Benn will be stepping into the ring for his first world‑title opportunity, while Garcia will be defending his newly won championship. Analysts predict that Benn’s experience in front of massive crowds and his aggressive style will clash with Garcia’s speed, technical skill, and confidence. The bout also carries significant financial implications.
Both fighters are expected to earn six‑figure purses, with potential pay‑per‑view revenue adding to the stakes. Promoters are betting that the personal animosity displayed in the press conference will translate into heightened viewer interest and ticket sales. Beyond the immediate rivalry, the fight could reshape the welterweight division.
A victory for Benn would solidify his status as a top‑tier contender and potentially set up future mega‑fights against other champions. Conversely, if Garcia retains his belt, he would cement his place among the elite and likely attract challenges from the likes of Errol Spence Jr.
or Terence Crawford. In summary, the press conference was a microcosm of the drama that will unfold in the ring: sharp words, personal digs, weight‑cut speculation, and a touch of theatricality courtesy of a disguised Lopez.
As the fighters head back to their training camps, the boxing world will be watching closely to see who can back up their talk with performance on Saturday night.