Ryan Garcia Anticipates “Dirty Tactics” From Conor Benn in World Title Clash
Ryan Garcia has admitted to being on the lookout for "dirty tactics" by Conor Benn in the upcoming WBC welterweight title fight.
While Noche UFC heats up on one hand, another interesting rivalry is simmering between reigning WBC Welterweight Champion Ryan Garcia and title challenger Conor Benn, who will go toe-to-toe at Zuffa Boxing's Saturday event.
Garcia believes, however, that the desperation to clinch the belt will drive Benn to resort to potentially illegal or dubious fighting techniques.
Ryan Garcia Readies Himself for Conor Benn Clash
The boxers confronted each other on Friday in a tense face-off, where Garcia continued his verbal jabs against Benn. The British boxer, in return, shushed the champion. Besides, the challengers also exchanged words at the pre-fight press conference.
Garcia, when asked about his expectations for the fight, didn't mince words as he pointed out the potential unpredictability of Benn's game. The Mexican, however, is prepared for anything Benn throws his way.
"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," Garcia told the presser.
The comment makes more sense when taken in context with the fighters' personal beef outside the ring. Conor Benn has repeatedly questioned Garcia's Mexican identity, while mocking him as 'QueenRy'. Garcia also clapped back, throwing digs at Benn's struggle to make weight.
That last remark is probably the most important detail about the fight, and Garcia knows it.
Ryan Garcia Scrutinises Conor Benn's 147-lb Move
While Ryan Garcia can only anticipate dirty play from Benn, there's something he can predict with absolute certainty: the jarring effects of the British boxer's weight cut.
“Let me let him in on a little secret. Even if he makes the weight, your brain can’t rehydrate fast enough. Them punches are going to do real damage," the reigning WBC champion quipped on Benn's weight cut journey.
The British boxer usually walks around at 183-185 lbs, and cutting nearly 40 lbs will surely take a toll on his body. In comparison, Garcia walks around closer to the 147 lbs limit, at 150-160 lbs. The battle with the scale will undoubtedly be the steepest hill to climb for 'The Destroyer'. Benn has admitted the same.
“It’s been four and a half years since I made it and it does feel like I’ve been through the pits of hell," the British boxer revealed, adding that this will be a one-and-done deal for him. However, the real test will be inside the boxing ring, which fans can follow on Paramount+ in the US and DAZN globally.
