WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia has questioned Conor Benn’s credentials to challenge for his title.
Garcia and Benn, the son of British boxing legend Nigel Benn, will meet in a welterweight title bout in Las Vegas on Saturday, September 12.
Speaking ahead of the fight, Garcia questioned Benn’s opportunity to challenge for the title, pointing to the Briton’s long absence from the welterweight division. Benn has not competed at 147 pounds since 2022, and Garcia believes that should count against him ahead of their showdown.
“Not at all [he doesn’t to fight for the welterweight belt]. He’s an average fighter, he’s athletic and it’s his last name. It’s not a shot at him; it’s just the bitter truth.”
“I’m preparing like he’s the best fighter in the world People could say you’re overlooking him. No, I’m calling it how I see it.”
“Do you want me to say he’s as good as Floyd Mayweather? He’s not. He’s aggressive and will make him a rugged fight, but it’s not something I haven’t seen before” Garcia said to the BBC.
Ahead of the fight, Benn has stated that he will move up to fight in the middleweight division at 160 regardless of Saturday night’s result.
