Ryan Garcia and Conor Benn brawl at New York media day ahead of welterweight clash

Ryan Garcia and Conor Benn nearly come to blows at New York media day

Ryan Garcia and Conor Benn were separated by security on Saturday after a heated media day in New York turned into a shouting match between the WBC welterweight champion and his September 12 opponent. The confrontation escalated when Benn told Garcia he would 'smack those glasses straight off your face,' prompting an expletive-laced response from the American. Benn was held back by security as he tried to reach Garcia, who had earlier promised to stop the British fighter inside five rounds.

What happened at the media day?

The altercation unfolded at a press conference in New York, where Garcia and Benn traded insults in front of reporters. Benn, who is promoted by Zuffa Boxing and backed by UFC chief Dana White and Saudi Arabian capital, called Garcia a 'big child' and a 'spoiled brat' on social media. 'He throws his toys out of the pram on social media, throwing little tantrums,' Benn said. 'I'm not too concerned about this little influencer. He ain't a fighter.'

Benn, 29, also pointed to his own record, saying: '12-round war proven. I don't quit, I don't stay down on one knee,' referencing Garcia's 2023 loss to Gervonta Davis. Garcia, 27, fired back: 'You think I'm going to let a guy from the UK come here and beat me and take my belt? You've lost your mind.'

Why it matters for Ryan Garcia

The exchange highlights the high stakes of the upcoming welterweight clash between Garcia and Benn on September 12. Garcia, who holds the WBC title, has dismissed Benn as 'not good enough' and vowed to stop him inside five rounds. Benn, meanwhile, has framed the fight as a personal mission, calling Garcia 'not Mexican' and questioning his heart.

Garcia, born and raised in California with Mexican heritage, often carries both flags into the ring-a detail Benn mocked by shouting at him in Spanish while grabbing his crotch. The American responded by calling the British fighter 'not good enough to beat me' and predicting his father, former world champion Nigel Benn, would stop the fight.

What comes next for Ryan Garcia?

The welterweight title fight between Garcia and Benn is set for September 12, with the venue yet to be confirmed. Garcia, who has been training in Mexico, is expected to lean on his speed and power against Benn, a taller, more aggressive southpaw. The fight marks Garcia’s return to the welterweight division after his 2023 loss to Davis.

Security cleared the stage after the face-off, but the tension between the two fighters remains palpable. Benn’s camp has framed the fight as a statement against Garcia’s social media persona, while Garcia’s team insists the American will deliver a statement of his own inside the distance.