Garcia On Breaking Benn In Five Rounds

Ryan Garcia plans to stop Conor Benn in five rounds when the pair meet this weekend for Garcia's welterweight title.

Garcia told ESPN that he expects to deliver what he called an A-plus performance after a training camp that went exactly as planned. "I'm here to make a statement," he said, per Bad Left Hook. "I've said five rounds and below. That means I'm coming with mean intentions and I'm not here to dance my way to a decision."

🎟️ Get tickets: Buy tickets to Ryan Garcia vs Conor Benn on Ticketmaster →

Garcia Dismisses Critics Of His Mental Game

The champion pushed back on the idea that his focus alone determines the outcome. He pointed to his full record and said that two losses don't erase years of entertaining fights. Garcia noted that both defeats came under unusual circumstances and said few fighters could handle what he went through mentally during those stretches.

Garcia said everything has come together at this stage of his career. He started as ESPN's prospect of the year and dealt with heavy expectations from the beginning. Now a world champion, he believes the learning curve is behind him and the adjustments are locked in.

🎟️ Get tickets: Buy tickets to Ryan Garcia vs Conor Benn on Ticketmaster →

When asked about Benn's confidence heading into the fight, Garcia said it won't matter once the bell rings. "Skills, experience pays dividends in the ring," he told ESPN. "You can be happy, you can be confident, your body has a breaking point, your mind has a breaking point." He compared overconfidence to playing a video game against someone who knows the controls — belief alone won't save you.

Garcia said he respects Benn's willingness to take tough fights and his attitude toward exciting fans. The pair square off this weekend with Garcia's strap on the line.

Reported via:

• Bad Left Hook — ‘I’m coming with mean intentions’: Ryan Garcia looking for statement win over Conor Benn