Garcia Says He'll Be Boxing's Face After Benn Fight

Ryan Garcia says his training camp is running smooth ahead of his welterweight title defense against Conor Benn and believes a convincing performance could vault him to the top of the sport.

Garcia told Fight Hub TV his preparation has been ideal and predicted that Benn will use the weight cut as an excuse after the fight. "He already set it up," Garcia said, per Bad Left Hook. "You already heard him say 'this is my last fight at 147'. Who wants to become a champion and then leave the division?"

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Garcia Fires Back At Crawford Criticism

The defending champion took aim at Terence Crawford and others who have picked against him, saying they sound bitter. Garcia accused Crawford of training with Benn to help prepare the challenger but dismissed the value of that assistance. "I feel like I'll beat your ass so what are you going to teach him?" Garcia said of Crawford.

Garcia referenced his own experience making 147 pounds against Gervonta Davis, when he fought under a rehydration clause that limited how much weight he could regain overnight. He said Benn faces no such restriction and has no reason to complain about the cut.

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The champion closed by saying Crawford should be retired and enjoying himself rather than weighing in on active fighters. "I could potentially be the face of boxing after this fight," Garcia said. The bout takes place later this month with the official date still to be announced.

Reported via:

• Bad Left Hook — ‘I could be the face of boxing after this fight’: Ryan Garcia says he’s primed to perform against Conor Benn