Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn press conference quotes and fight prediction
Ryan Garcia (25-2, 20 KOs, 1 NC) will soon put his WBC welterweight world title on the line against Conor Benn (25-1, 14 KOs).
Their bout headlines a Zuffa Boxing card at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. Fight fans in the United States can catch the action live on Paramount+. Those in select countries, including the United Kingdom and Ireland, will be able to do so on pay-per-view (PPV) with DAZN.
Both men spoke at a press conference ahead of their Sept. 12 contest. Below is some of what they had to say.
Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn press conference quotes
Ryan Garcia
“You ask me what I think about him saying I’m not a real Mexican?” said Garcia. “What the fuck he know about knows about that? He’s from the UK. He don’t know shit and come Saturday night, when his blood is spilling out of his mouth, that’ll be enough to show him how Mexican I am.”
“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 and we’re just going to do what we do best which is stay sharp, be ready for everything, and we’re prepared, man. We’re conditioned 100 per cent and we’ll put on a hell of a show. Promise you that.”
Conor Benn
“I think he just needs to worry about himself,” said Benn. “He seems to have enough problems as it is. So I just focus on me. I don’t look at him. I don’t care what he does. Ultimately, I worry about what I do. I feel unbelievable. Cut no corners and we’re here now. We’ll see who makes weight tomorrow.”
“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 fought in front of 70,000 three times now on the bounce. I’m here to come and really set the tone from the first round.”
Fight prediction
From Big Fight Weekend’s Ricky Carroll: Garcia at his best is a joy to watch. His exceptional hand speed and KO power make him a nightmare for anyone. His money shot is the left hook. At his best, he times his punches really well, and it’s vital that Benn recognises this and doesn’t let him settle. The American can be hurt and does drop his hands, something Benn will look to exploit.
Benn is aggressive and looks to come forward in his fights and meet his opponents head-on. He carries his own power, as proven by his two knockdowns in the rematch against Chris Eubank Jr. It remains to be seen whether he carries the power back down at welterweight. He showed his versatility in the rematch against Eubank Jr., showcasing slick footwork and impressive punch accuracy. Benn can also leave himself open defensively, something he could be punished for.
Looking at the strengths and weaknesses of both, this fight will be explosive as long as it lasts, and we are backing Garcia to be too quick and powerful for Benn, winning by stoppage between rounds five and seven. However, should the American underestimate Benn, he could be punished.
Full press conference
For the press conference in its entirety, click here or the play button below. Video courtesy of Zuffa Boxing.
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Featured image credit
Zuffa Boxing
S Saadeq Ahmed
Currently writing out of Toronto, Canada, Saadeq first became a boxing fan while living in Doha, Qatar. Looking to become more involved in the sport, he began writing about boxing and has had work published in outlets such as Seconds Out and Boxing Social. He looks forward to continue covering boxing on Big Fight Weekend.